Growing Rice (Upland) in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

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. 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.