Growing Soybeans in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kitui is only marginally suited to Soybeans. Kitui's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 53/100. Match fertilizer to Kitui's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Soybeans can be grown in Kitui County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Soybeans's preferred 5–7 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 Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kitui's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 464 kg/acre (~KES 34,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 600–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag