Growing Beetroot in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Beetroot can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 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 Vihiga's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,375 kg/acre (~KES 318,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.