Growing Pyrethrum in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

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. 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.