Growing Pyrethrum in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Pyrethrum. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 73/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 5.21 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #19 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. At current prices (about KES 280/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pyrethrum crop here can gross roughly KES 140,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kisii
Varieties suited to Kisii's 1,700 m altitude and 1,500 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 pyrethrum varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag