Growing Soybeans in Tana River

Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile

Tana River County is a challenging environment for Soybeans (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Soybeans prefers loam soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Tana River receives approximately 400 mm/year — well below Soybeans's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 550 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Soybeans crop here can gross roughly KES 41,250 per acre.

37Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientTana River soilSoybeans needsStatus
pH6.457OK
Nitrogen1.04 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus8.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium108 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow

Recommended seed varieties

SB 19Medium/Highland
KALRO · 90-100 days · 8-12 bags/acre
High protein content; disease resistant; good for oil and flour.
GazelleMedium
Pannar Seeds · 95-110 days · 10-14 bags/acre
High yielding hybrid; excellent grain quality; broad adaptation.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield550 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 41,250/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag