Growing French Beans in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for French Beans (soil-match score 8/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 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/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. French 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 French Beans's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 3,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed French Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.