Growing Beetroot in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Beetroot can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Beetroot's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Beetroot, which favours loam. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Siaya's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,375 kg/acre (~KES 368,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

59Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSiaya soilBeetroot needsStatus
pH5.3367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.1 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium134 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m800–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Root Bulking & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Root Bulking & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and week 6
Instruction
Add potassium for root bulking. Boron foliar prevents internal black spot.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Siaya7,375 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 368,750/acre
Adjusted for Siaya's 59/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Beetroot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag