Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Nyeri County is a solid choice for Rice (Lowland/Paddy), with a soil-match score of 60/100. 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. At 1700 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.

60Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientNyeri 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

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 yield2,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 200,000/acre

Preferred textureClay

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag