Growing Pyrethrum in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bungoma is moderately suited to Pyrethrum. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #66 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
All 2 listed pyrethrum varieties shown — none are specifically rated for Bungoma's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag