Growing Soybeans in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Soybeans. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Soybeans a suitability score of 6/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Soybeans (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Soybeans's preferred 5–7 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 Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Soybeans 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 Soybeans's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Soybeans's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Wajir's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 53 kg/acre (~KES 3,975/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

6Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWajir soilSoybeans needsStatus
pH8.457Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall200 mm600–2,000 mmLow
Altitude250 m0–1,800 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Soybeans fix their own Nitrogen. Do NOT apply CAN — it suppresses nodulation and reduces yield.
Bags per Acre
0

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 yield in Wajir53 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 3,975/acre
Adjusted for Wajir's 6/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Soybeans can reach 700 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag