Growing Rice (Upland) in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bomet is only marginally suited to Rice (Upland). Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 44/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 1900 m, the county sits above Rice (Upland)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Bomet's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 990 kg/acre (~KES 103,950/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Bomet
Varieties suited to Bomet's 1,900 m altitude and 1,500 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag