Growing French Beans in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to French Beans. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives French Beans a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a solid choice for French Beans, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 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 French Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit French Beans, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, French Beans is the #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. French Beans's full potential is about 3,500 kg/acre (~KES 280,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Meru's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,931 kg/acre (~KES 234,480/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | French Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,000–2,100 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