Growing Pyrethrum in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Homa Bay County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.27 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. 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 Homa Bay's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 231 kg/acre (~KES 64,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.