Growing Soybeans in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
West Pokot County is well suited to Soybeans, scoring 94/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 550 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Soybeans crop here can gross roughly KES 41,250 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | West Pokot soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
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 yield550 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 41,250/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag