Growing Pyrethrum in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Vihiga's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 444 kg/acre (~KES 124,320/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.