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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Soybeans is the #54 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kitui County. 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.
Better matched to Kitui's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.
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
Kitui's nitrogen reads 0.74 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Soybeans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kitui's 900 m altitude and 500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag