Growing Beans in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Beans (soil-match score 22/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Beans's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Beans prefers loam soils, while Turkana is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Beans's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 700 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 84,000 per acre.