Growing Pyrethrum in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Busia is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 38/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. 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.
Better matched to Busia's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 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 Busia's 1,200 m altitude and 1,400 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag