Growing Beans in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Beans. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Beans a suitability score of 28/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #27 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. 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.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 500–1,600 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Samburu
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen reads 0.67 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Beans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Samburu
Varieties suited to Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 7 beans varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag