Growing Rice (Upland) in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

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. 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.