Growing Pyrethrum in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kisumu is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 35/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. 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.
Better matched to Kisumu's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 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 Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag