Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kwale is only marginally suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 47/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can be grown in Kwale County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.76 — 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 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 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 Kwale is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Kwale's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,528 kg/acre (~KES 152,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag