Growing Rice (Upland) in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Rice (Upland). Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 58/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Rice (Upland) can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.03 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #63 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Murang'a's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,305 kg/acre (~KES 137,025/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Murang'a's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Murang'a
Varieties suited to Murang'a's 1,500 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag