Growing Soybeans in Mandera
Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Mandera is poorly suited to Soybeans. Mandera's soil (pH 8.38, alkaline) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Mandera's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mandera County is a challenging environment for Soybeans (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Soybeans's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Soybeans prefers loam soils, while Mandera is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Soybeans's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Soybeans is the #36 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Mandera's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 44 kg/acre (~KES 3,300/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mandera soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.38 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.53 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 38.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 180 mm | 600–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Mandera's nitrogen reads 0.53 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 Mandera's 250 m altitude and 180 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag