Growing Rice (Upland) in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Vihiga is only marginally suited to Rice (Upland). Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Rice (Upland) a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Rice (Upland) can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Rice (Upland) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Upland), which favours clay. At 1700 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 #66 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Rice (Upland)'s full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre at KES 105/kg), but at Vihiga's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,148 kg/acre (~KES 120,540/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Vihiga's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Coffee (Arabica) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Rice (Upland) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 800–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) is 85% of the 1.2 g/kg Rice (Upland) needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Vihiga
Varieties suited to Vihiga's 1,700 m altitude and 1,800 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 rice (upland) varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag