Growing Rice (Upland) in Nakuru
Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nakuru is only marginally suited to Rice (Upland). Nakuru's soil (pH 6.28, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Nakuru's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Rice (Upland) can be grown in Nakuru County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) 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 (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 1750 m, the county sits above Rice (Upland)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nakuru County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Nakuru's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,148 kg/acre (~KES 120,540/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nakuru's soil: Carrot, Dolichos, and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nakuru soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.28 | 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 | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,750 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nakuru's nitrogen (1.59 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nakuru
Varieties suited to Nakuru's 1,750 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag