Growing Rice (Upland) in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Rice (Upland). Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 27/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #96 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. 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.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 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 | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
All 2 listed rice (upland) varieties shown — none are specifically rated for Nyandarua's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag