Growing Rice (Upland) in Kirinyaga
Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kirinyaga is moderately suited to Rice (Upland). Kirinyaga's soil (pH 5.31, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 63/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kirinyaga County is a solid choice for Rice (Upland), with a soil-match score of 63/100. Local soils average pH 5.31 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.36 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (177 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kirinyaga County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Kirinyaga's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,418 kg/acre (~KES 148,890/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kirinyaga soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.31 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.36 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 177 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Kirinyaga's nitrogen (1.36 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kirinyaga
Varieties suited to Kirinyaga's 1,500 m altitude and 1,300 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag