Growing Pyrethrum in Kajiado
Soil suitability analysis based on Kajiado's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kajiado is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Kajiado's soil (pH 6.55, near-neutral) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 13/100. Match fertilizer to Kajiado's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kajiado County. 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.
Better matched to Kajiado's soil: Sorghum, Cowpeas, and Pigeon Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kajiado soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.55 | 5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 257 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,300 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kajiado's nitrogen (0.97 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 Kajiado's 1,300 m altitude and 500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag