Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can be grown in Kisii County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.21 — 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 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam 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.