Growing Rice (Upland) in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Rice (Upland) prefers clay soils, while Taita Taveta is largely loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Rice (Upland)'s minimum of 800 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 31/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 698 kg/acre (~KES 73,290/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.