Growing Pyrethrum in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kitui is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Kitui's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Kitui's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kitui County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Kitui 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 #105 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kitui County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kitui's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 31 kg/acre (~KES 8,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kitui's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kitui's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) is 93% of the 0.8 g/kg Pyrethrum needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kitui's 900 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