Growing Rice (Upland) in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Makueni is poorly suited to Rice (Upland). Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 34/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. 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.
Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 800–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 0–1,300 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) is 72% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Upland) needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Makueni
Varieties suited to Makueni's 1,000 m altitude and 600 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag