Growing Rice (Upland) in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

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. 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.