Growing Pyrethrum in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Homa Bay is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 37/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. 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.
Better matched to Homa Bay's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 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 Homa Bay's 1,200 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag