Growing Rice (Upland) in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Rice (Upland). Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 56/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Rice (Upland) can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Rice (Upland)'s preferred 5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #62 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Meru's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,260 kg/acre (~KES 132,300/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Meru's soil: Tea, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen (1.22 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Meru
Varieties suited to Meru's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag