Growing Rice (Upland) in Elgeyo Marakwet
Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Elgeyo Marakwet is only marginally suited to Rice (Upland). Elgeyo Marakwet's soil (pH 6.27, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 48/100. Match fertilizer to Elgeyo Marakwet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Rice (Upland) can be grown in Elgeyo Marakwet County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.27 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.39 g/kg), phosphorus (22.2 mg/kg) and potassium (213 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 1800 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 #96 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Elgeyo Marakwet County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Elgeyo Marakwet's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,080 kg/acre (~KES 113,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Elgeyo Marakwet's soil: Dolichos, Garden Peas, and Oats — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Elgeyo Marakwet soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.27 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.39 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,800 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Elgeyo Marakwet's nitrogen (1.39 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Elgeyo Marakwet
Varieties suited to Elgeyo Marakwet's 1,800 m altitude and 1,000 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag