Growing Beans in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 700 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 84,000 per acre.