Growing Soybeans in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Soybeans. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 18/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Soybeans (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Soybeans's preferred 5–7 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 Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Soybeans 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 Soybeans's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Soybeans is the #46 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Samburu's 18/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 158 kg/acre (~KES 11,850/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 | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5–7 | 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 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 600–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen reads 0.67 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Soybeans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag