Growing Beans in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Beans (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Beans's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Beans prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Beans's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Samburu's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 280 kg/acre (~KES 36,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.