Growing French Beans in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kitui is poorly suited to French Beans. Kitui's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives French Beans a suitability score of 21/100. Match fertilizer to Kitui's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kitui County is a challenging environment for French Beans (soil-match score 21/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.74 g/kg), phosphorus (30.5 mg/kg) and potassium (339 mg/kg) all meet French Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit French Beans, which favours loam. Kitui receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below French Beans's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, French Beans is the #81 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kitui County. French Beans's full potential is about 3,500 kg/acre (~KES 280,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kitui's 21/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 919 kg/acre (~KES 73,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kitui's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | French Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,000–2,100 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag