Growing Pyrethrum in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Baringo is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Baringo's soil (pH 6.22, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 13/100. Match fertilizer to Baringo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Baringo County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. At 900 m, the county sits below Pyrethrum's preferred altitude range (1800–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #105 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Baringo County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Baringo's 13/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 81 kg/acre (~KES 22,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Baringo's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Finger Millet, and Groundnuts — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Baringo soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Baringo's nitrogen (1.32 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Baringo's 900 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag