Growing Pyrethrum in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Kisumu County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.54 — 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 — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1150 m, the county sits below Pyrethrum's preferred altitude range (1800–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kisumu's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 219 kg/acre (~KES 61,320/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.