Growing Rice (Upland) in Elgeyo Marakwet

Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile

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. 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.