Growing Pyrethrum in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Possible but challenging — Migori is only marginally suited to Pyrethrum. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 44/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Migori County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.43 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #88 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Migori County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Migori's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 275 kg/acre (~KES 77,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Migori's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.

44Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilPyrethrum needsStatus
pH5.435–6.5OK
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm900–1,500 mmOK
Altitude1,300 m1,800–3,000 mLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after planting
Instruction
One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
Bags per acre in Migori
0.5

Migori's nitrogen (1.2 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 Migori's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.

P4· HighlandClone 22· Highland
Full variety details — maturity, yield & breeder →

Economics

Market priceKES 280/kg
Expected yield in Migori275 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 77,000/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 44/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pyrethrum can reach 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag