Growing Soybeans in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Soybeans can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Soybeans prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Soybeans's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Nyandarua's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 464 kg/acre (~KES 34,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.