Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 38/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 38/100) 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 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Lowland/Paddy) is the #80 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Nyandarua's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,235 kg/acre (~KES 123,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag