Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 32/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers clay soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Kilifi receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Lowland/Paddy) is the #60 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Kilifi's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,040 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) is 67% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kilifi
Varieties suited to Kilifi's 150 m altitude and 700 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (lowland/paddy) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag