Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 4/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 4/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s preferred 4.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers clay soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Lowland/Paddy) is the #92 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Samburu's 4/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 130 kg/acre (~KES 13,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 4.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen (0.67 g/kg) is 56% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Samburu
Varieties suited to Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (lowland/paddy) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag