Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kilifi

Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile

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. 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.