Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 100/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Rice (Lowland/Paddy) crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.