Growing Rice (Upland) in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Embu County is a solid choice for Rice (Upland), with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 5.1 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Embu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,508 kg/acre (~KES 158,340/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag