Understanding Fertilizers – A Simple Guide for New Farmers

Question from a Gen Z farmer , Murang’a:
“Hi, I am a young lady who wants to start farming, but I understand very little about fertilizers. Please explain to me what influences the type of fertilizer to use, when, and why?”

Hi, thank you for your question, and congratulations on your decision to start farming. Many farmers struggle with fertilizers at the beginning, so you are already on the right path by seeking to understand the basics.

This guide explains, in simple terms, what influences fertilizer choice, when to apply it, and why organo-mineral fertilizers from Seedpro are a smart option for sustainable farming.

What Determines the Type of Fertilizer to Use?

Three main factors influence fertilizer choice:

1. Soil type and soil health
2. The crop you want to grow
3. Weather and season

 

Let us break these down.

 

1. Soil – The Foundation of Fertilizer Decisions

Soil acts as a reservoir of nutrients, but not all nutrients in the soil are readily available to plants. One of the most important soil factors is soil pH.

How Soil pH Affects Fertilizer Use

Soil pH determines how easily crops can access nutrients. Poor fertilizer practices can negatively affect soil pH over time.

Common causes of poor soil health include:

• Continuous use of inappropriate fertilizer sources leading to soil acidification
• Unbalanced fertilizer programs that oversupply some nutrients and neglect others
• Applying fertilizers based on rainfall patterns instead of crop nutritional needs
• Applying fertilizer rates that are lower than what the crop requires

Soils with a pH of 4.5–5.0 limit nutrient availability and reduce cation exchange capacity. This results in:

• Poor root development
• Low yields
• Increased disease pressure

Healthier soils with improved pH support:

• Strong root systems
• Better nutrient uptake
• Reduced disease incidence
• Higher and more stable yields

Why Organo-Mineral Fertilizers Help

Seedpro organo-mineral fertilizers combine organic matter with mineral nutrients. This helps:

• Improve soil structure
• Buffer soil pH over time
• Increase nutrient holding capacity
• Reduce nutrient losses through leaching

2. Crop – Understanding What Your Plant Needs

Different crops remove different amounts of nutrients from the soil. To achieve good yields, fertilizer programs must replace what the crop removes and support plant growth throughout the season.

When choosing fertilizers, consider the following:

• Expected yield: Higher yields remove more nutrients from the soil
• Soil fertility and pH: Determines which nutrients are available
• Season: Nutrients can be lost through leaching during rainy seasons or become unavailable during dry periods
• Shade: Crops grown under trees have lower yield potential and lower nutrient demand
• Biomass recycling: Crop residues, compost, and manure return some nutrients to the soil
• Plant growth: Nutrients stored in stems, branches, and leaves are part of the crop’s total nutrient requirement

A good fertilizer program aims to supply nutrients for both current production and future soil fertility.

3. Weather and Timing – When to Apply Fertilizer

Timing is just as important as fertilizer type.

• Applying fertilizer too early can lead to nutrient losses
• Applying too late can limit crop growth and yield
• Rainy seasons increase nutrient loss through leaching
• Dry seasons limit nutrient uptake due to lack of moisture

Seedpro organo-mineral fertilizers release nutrients gradually, making them more efficient across different weather conditions.

Why Choose Organo-Mineral Fertilizers from Seedpro?

Organo-mineral fertilizers are designed to feed both the crop and the soil.

Key benefits include:

• Balanced supply of macro and micronutrients
• Improved nutrient use efficiency
• Better root development
• Enhanced soil health over time
• Reduced fertilizer wastage

Unlike straight chemical fertilizers, organo-mineral fertilizers support long-term productivity and sustainability.

Final Advice for New Farmers

As a new farmer, always remember:

• Start with understanding your soil
• Choose fertilizers based on crop needs, not guesswork
• Apply fertilizers at the right time and in the right amounts
• Invest in soil health, not just short-term yields

Seedpro organo-mineral fertilizers are a reliable starting point for farmers who want healthy crops, productive soils, and sustainable farming systems.

For personalized guidance, soil testing, and product recommendations, reach out to Seedpro Kenya for professional agronomic support.