Growing Pyrethrum in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Embu is only marginally suited to Pyrethrum. Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 48/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Pyrethrum can be grown in Embu County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.1 — 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 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 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 #78 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Embu's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 300 kg/acre (~KES 84,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Embu's soil: Pineapple, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Embu's nitrogen (1.04 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 Embu's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag