Growing Pyrethrum in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Bungoma County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 62/100. Local soils average pH 5.56 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Bungoma's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 388 kg/acre (~KES 108,640/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

62Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorBungoma soilPyrethrum needsStatus
pH5.5656.5OK
Nitrogen1.12 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus15.7 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium161 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm900–1,500 mmOK
Altitude1,500 m1,800–3,000 mLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after planting
Instruction
One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

P4Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 150–250 kg/acre
High pyrethrin content; suited to highland conditions.
Clone 22Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 200–300 kg/acre
High yielding clone; good flower production.

Economics

Market priceKES 280/kg
Expected yield in Bungoma388 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 108,640/acre
Adjusted for Bungoma's 62/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pyrethrum can reach 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag