Growing Pyrethrum in Lamu

Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile

Lamu County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Lamu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lamu receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Pyrethrum's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Lamu's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.