Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Rice (Lowland/Paddy) (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 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 2100 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. Rice (Lowland/Paddy)'s full potential is about 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 260,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,430 kg/acre (~KES 143,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.