Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 56/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 4.99 — strongly acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers clay soils, while Tharaka Nithi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Lowland/Paddy) is the #73 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,820 kg/acre (~KES 182,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Tharaka Nithi's soil: Avocado, Macadamia, and Cassava — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen (1.23 g/kg) already meets Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi
Varieties suited to Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (lowland/paddy) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag