Growing Rice (Upland) in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kilifi is moderately suited to Rice (Upland). Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a solid choice for Rice (Upland), with a soil-match score of 62/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) 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 (Upland) prefers clay soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #54 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Kilifi's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,395 kg/acre (~KES 146,475/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 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 | 800–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 0–1,300 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) is 67% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Upland) 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 — 1 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag