Growing Beans in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Beans. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Beans a suitability score of 66/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a solid choice for Beans, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Beans's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Beans, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #30 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Meru's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 660 kg/acre (~KES 85,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Meru
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen reads 1.22 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Beans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Meru
Varieties suited to Meru's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 5 of 7 beans varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag