Growing Beetroot in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Beetroot can be grown in Nyamira County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Beetroot, which favours loam. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Nyamira's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,250 kg/acre (~KES 312,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

50Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilBeetroot needsStatus
pH5.5867.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm500–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m800–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Root Bulking & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
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
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira6,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 312,500/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 50/100 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(4,500)
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