Growing Rice (Upland) in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Uasin Gishu is poorly suited to Rice (Upland). Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 35/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Rice (Upland) (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) 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 (Upland)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 2100 m, the county sits above Rice (Upland)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rice (Upland) is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 788 kg/acre (~KES 82,740/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Uasin Gishu's soil: Beans, Snow Peas, and Napier Grass — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Uasin Gishu's nitrogen (1.56 g/kg) already meets Rice (Upland)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Uasin Gishu's 2,100 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag