Growing Pyrethrum in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Murang'a is only marginally suited to Pyrethrum. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 54/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Pyrethrum can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.03 — 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 168 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #74 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Murang'a's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 338 kg/acre (~KES 94,640/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Murang'a'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 Murang'a's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag