Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nakuru
Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nakuru is only marginally suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Nakuru's soil (pH 6.28, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 44/100. Match fertilizer to Nakuru's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nakuru County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. 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 Nakuru's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,430 kg/acre (~KES 143,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nakuru soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.28 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.59 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 239 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,750 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag