Growing Pyrethrum in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Makueni is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 8/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Makueni County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 8/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 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 Makueni County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Makueni's 8/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 50 kg/acre (~KES 14,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
All 2 listed pyrethrum varieties shown — none are specifically rated for Makueni's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag