Growing Pyrethrum in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Pyrethrum can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Meru's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 350 kg/acre (~KES 98,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.