Best fertilisers for use in different counties to improve crop yields

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute's report indicates that the high acidity in soils in western Kenya makes farming an unfavourable economic activity. 

By GERALD ANDAE

• Best fertilisers for use in different counties to improve crop yields

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta released an analysis of soils in Kenya which showed that the acidity levels in most farms is high as a result of continuous use of artificial fertiliser.

The survey by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) which was carried out in 164 locations gives recommendations on the types of fertilisers to be used in each sub-county, depending on the soil status.

The report was based on suitability of maize growth in different sub-counties. Here is an analysis of the soil status and the recommended fertilisers.

KWALE COUNTY

Kinango Sub County

The soil pH ranges from moderately acid (5.50) to moderately alkaline (7.80), making it suitable for maize growing.
Recommended fertilisers are ammonium sulphates triple super phosphate (TSP), single super phosphate (SSP), compound fertilisers N:P:K 17:17:17, 15:15:15, 23:23:0, 20:20:0, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and mavuno.

KILIFI COUNTY

Ganze Sub County

The soil pH ranges from extremely acid (4.22) to slightly alkaline (7.09), making it not suitable for maize growing. Farmers in the region should use manure to raise the soil pH.

TANA RIVER COUNTY

Tana North Sub County

The soil pH ranges from slightly acid (6.74) to strongly alkaline (8.65), falling within the required range suitable for maize growing.
Farmers recommended to use acidic fertilisers such as DAP to lower the pH.

LAMU COUNTY

Lamu West Sub County

Soil pH ranges from slightly acid (6.02) to neutral with all the farms sampled having their pH within the maize growing range (5.0-8.0).
Recommended fertiliser include DAP, ammonium sulphate and urea with close monitoring of pH changes through soil testing.