Growing Pyrethrum in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Nyeri County is well suited to Pyrethrum, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.23 — 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 1.09 g/kg, P 15.5 mg/kg, K 192 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 280/kg) and a typical 400 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pyrethrum crop here can gross roughly KES 112,000 per acre.

76Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientNyeri soilPyrethrum needsStatus
pH5.2356.5OK
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus15.5 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium192 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

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

Recommended seed varieties

P4Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 150–250 kg/acre
High pyrethrin content; suited to highland conditions.
Clone 22Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 200–300 kg/acre
High yielding clone; good flower production.

Economics

Market priceKES 280/kg
Expected yield400 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 112,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag