Growing Pyrethrum in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Pyrethrum's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pyrethrum prefers loam soils, while Turkana is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Pyrethrum's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. 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.