Growing Rice (Upland) in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Embu is moderately suited to Rice (Upland). Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #31 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. 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
Embu's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) is 87% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Upland) needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Embu
Varieties suited to Embu's 1,400 m altitude and 1,300 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag