Growing Beans in Marsabit
Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Marsabit is poorly suited to Beans. Marsabit's soil (pH 8.22, alkaline) gives Beans a suitability score of 22/100. Match fertilizer to Marsabit's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Beans (soil-match score 22/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Beans's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (37.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Beans prefers loam soils, while Marsabit is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Beans's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #25 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Marsabit's 22/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 220 kg/acre (~KES 28,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Marsabit's soil: Sisal, Chia, and Aloe Vera — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Marsabit soil | Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.22 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 500–1,600 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag