Growing Pyrethrum in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.29 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 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. At 1200 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 Busia's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 238 kg/acre (~KES 66,640/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.