Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nairobi is poorly suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 39/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.1 g/kg, P 22.1 mg/kg, K 236 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Nairobi's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,268 kg/acre (~KES 126,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag