Growing Soybeans in Taita Taveta
Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Taita Taveta is moderately suited to Soybeans. Taita Taveta's soil (pH 6.64, near-neutral) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 57/100. Match fertilizer to Taita Taveta's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Soybeans can be grown in Taita Taveta County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 499 kg/acre (~KES 37,425/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Taita Taveta soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.64 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.9 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 104 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 600–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 700 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag