Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Trans Nzoia is moderately suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 58/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Rice (Lowland/Paddy) can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. At 1900 m, the county sits above Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Lowland/Paddy) is the #78 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,885 kg/acre (~KES 188,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Trans Nzoia's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Finger Millet, and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
2 rice (lowland/paddy) varieties are rated for Trans Nzoia's altitude (1,900 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag