Growing French Beans in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to French Beans. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives French Beans a suitability score of 70/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for French Beans, with a soil-match score of 70/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's low/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit French Beans, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, French Beans is the #35 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. French Beans's full potential is about 3,500 kg/acre (~KES 280,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Homa Bay's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,063 kg/acre (~KES 245,040/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | French Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag