Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Kiambu County is a solid choice for Rice (Lowland/Paddy), with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 5.28 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. At 1700 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.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Kiambu soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag