Growing Pyrethrum in Kwale

Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile

Kwale County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.76 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. At 200 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 Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6 kg/acre (~KES 1,680/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.