Growing Pyrethrum in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

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. 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.