Growing Pyrethrum in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — West Pokot is moderately suited to Pyrethrum. West Pokot's soil (pH 6.04, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to West Pokot's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
West Pokot County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 64/100. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Pyrethrum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #92 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for West Pokot County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at West Pokot's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 400 kg/acre (~KES 112,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | West Pokot soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
West Pokot's nitrogen (1.67 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
All 2 listed pyrethrum varieties shown — none are specifically rated for West Pokot's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag