Growing Rice (Upland) in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kericho is poorly suited to Rice (Upland). Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 39/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) 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 (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 2000 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #82 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Kericho's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 878 kg/acre (~KES 92,190/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kericho's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Sweet Potato, and Wambugu Apples — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Kericho's nitrogen (1.34 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kericho's 2,000 m altitude and 1,800 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag