Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. At 2000 m, the county sits above Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 100/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Rice (Lowland/Paddy) crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.