Growing Rice (Upland) in Nakuru

Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile

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. 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.