Growing Pyrethrum in Kajiado

Soil suitability analysis based on Kajiado's nutrient profile

Kajiado County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.55 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.97 g/kg), phosphorus (20.6 mg/kg) and potassium (257 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Kajiado receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Pyrethrum's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kajiado's 13/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 81 kg/acre (~KES 22,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.