Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can be grown in Kericho County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. 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 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Kericho's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,690 kg/acre (~KES 169,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.