Growing Beetroot in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Beetroot. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Beetroot a suitability score of 55/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Beetroot can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Beetroot's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 168 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Beetroot prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beetroot is the #71 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Murang'a's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,875 kg/acre (~KES 343,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.

55Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMurang'a soilBeetroot needsStatus
pH5.0367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium168 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,500 m800–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar for Murang'a

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

March
Direct Sowing & Basal
April
Thinning & Top Dressing
May
Root Bulking & Harvest

Short Rains· OctoberDecember

October
Direct Sowing & Basal
November
Thinning & Top Dressing
December
Root Bulking & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and week 6
Instruction
Add potassium for root bulking. Boron foliar prevents internal black spot.
Bags per acre in Murang'a
0.50.4

Murang'a's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Beetroot's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Murang'a6,875 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 343,750/acre
Adjusted for Murang'a's 55/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Beetroot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag