Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Nyeri is moderately suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Nyeri's soil (pH 5.23, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Nyeri County is a solid choice for Rice (Lowland/Paddy), with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 5.23 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 15.5 mg/kg, K 192 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Nyeri's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,178 kg/acre (~KES 217,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyeri soilRice (Lowland/Paddy) needsStatus
pH5.234.57OK
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus15.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium192 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm1,100–2,000 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m0–1,500 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
Urea
Timing
Tillering and panicle initiation
Instruction
Split into 2 applications. Apply before flooding where possible for better uptake.
Bags per Acre
1

Recommended seed varieties

KombokaMedium/Lowland
KALRO · 100-115 days · 20-28 bags/acre
High yielding paddy; resistant to blast; developed for Mwea and lowland Kenya.
Basmati 370Medium/Lowland
KALRO · 130-150 days · 18-24 bags/acre
Aromatic long-grain; premium export market; suited to Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

Economics

Market priceKES 100/kg
Expected yield in Nyeri2,178 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 217,800/acre
Adjusted for Nyeri's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can reach 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureClay

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag