Growing Beans in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Beans. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Beans a suitability score of 9/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Beans (soil-match score 9/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Beans's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Beans prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Beans's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Beans is the #17 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Wajir's 9/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 90 kg/acre (~KES 11,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 500–1,600 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Wajir
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Wajir's nitrogen reads 0.52 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Beans is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Wajir
Varieties suited to Wajir's 250 m altitude and 200 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 7 beans varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag