Growing Pyrethrum in Garissa
Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Garissa is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Garissa's soil (pH 7.96, alkaline) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Garissa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Garissa County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.61 g/kg, P 37.7 mg/kg, K 407 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Garissa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Pyrethrum's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #88 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Garissa County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Garissa's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Garissa's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Garissa soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.96 | 5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.61 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 407 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 250 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Garissa's nitrogen (0.61 g/kg) is 76% of the 0.8 g/kg Pyrethrum needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Garissa's 200 m altitude and 250 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag