Growing Rice (Upland) in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 2300 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 Nyandarua's 27/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 608 kg/acre (~KES 63,840/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.