Growing Beans in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Beans. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Beans a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Murang'a County is a solid choice for Beans, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Beans's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Beans prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #25 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Murang'a's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 680 kg/acre (~KES 88,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Murang'a
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Murang'a's nitrogen reads 1.2 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Beans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Murang'a
Varieties suited to Murang'a's 1,500 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 5 of 7 beans varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag