Growing Beetroot in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Beetroot (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Beetroot's preferred 6–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Beetroot 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 Beetroot's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Wajir's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 125 kg/acre (~KES 6,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.