Growing Pyrethrum in Taita Taveta
Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Taita Taveta is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Taita Taveta's soil (pH 6.64, near-neutral) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 3/100. Match fertilizer to Taita Taveta's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 3/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.64 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 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 #106 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Taita Taveta County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 3/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 19 kg/acre (~KES 5,320/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Taita Taveta's soil: Sorghum, Cowpeas, and Pigeon Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Taita Taveta soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.64 | 5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.9 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 104 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 700 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Taita Taveta's nitrogen (0.97 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Taita Taveta's 700 m altitude and 500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag