Growing Beetroot in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Beetroot (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Beetroot's preferred 6–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Beetroot 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 Beetroot's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Samburu's 27/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,375 kg/acre (~KES 168,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.