Growing Beans in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Beans (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Beans's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Beans prefers loam soils, while Isiolo is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Beans's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #23 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Isiolo's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 330 kg/acre (~KES 42,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Isiolo's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.