Growing Soybeans in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes — Meru is well suited to Soybeans. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 76/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is well suited to Soybeans, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Soybeans's preferred 5–7 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 Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 700 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Soybeans crop here can gross roughly KES 52,500 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5–7 | 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 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 600–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag