Growing Pyrethrum in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
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. 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
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag