Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 21/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. At 2300 m, the county sits above Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 100/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Rice (Lowland/Paddy) crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.