Growing Beetroot in Taita Taveta
Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile
Taita Taveta County is a solid choice for Beetroot, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Beetroot prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly 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 Taita Taveta's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Taita Taveta soil | Beetroot needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.64 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.9 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 104 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 700 m | 800–2,500 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag