Growing Beans in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

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. 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.