Growing Rice (Upland) in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Rice (Upland)'s preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.86 g/kg, P 29.6 mg/kg, K 351 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Rice (Upland) prefers clay soils, while Makueni is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Makueni's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 765 kg/acre (~KES 80,325/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.