Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
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. 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.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | 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 |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag