Growing Pyrethrum in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Pyrethrum can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral 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 1.01 g/kg, P 14 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. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kakamega's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 331 kg/acre (~KES 92,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.