Growing Rice (Upland) in Nandi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile

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. 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.