Growing Rice (Upland) in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nandi is only marginally suited to Rice (Upland). Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 43/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 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 1900 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 #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Nandi's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 968 kg/acre (~KES 101,640/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nandi's soil: Garden Peas, Maize, and Kale (Sukuma Wiki) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen (1.37 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nandi
Varieties suited to Nandi's 1,900 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag