🌱 Basic Information
Note: Recommendations are based on Zambian Ministry of Agriculture guidelines and Smallholder Farmer advice.
⚠️ Important: For precise fertilizer rates, conduct a soil test.
📊 Results
Recommended Nutrients (kg/ha)
N
P₂O₅
K₂O
Fertilizer Application
Soil & Crop Management
ℹ️ Explanation
Recommendations are guidelines only. Soil testing is recommended for accurate results. We assume no liability for crop outcomes based on these recommendations
⚠️ Important Note for Zambian Smallholder Farmers
This fertilizer calculator is designed specifically for Zambian smallholder farmers like you. The recommendations differ from commercial farming advice because:
Your Farming Reality:
- Rain-dependent farming (no irrigation systems)
- Local seed varieties (not high-yield hybrids needing massive fertilizer)
- Limited cash for multiple fertilizer applications
- Traditional storage methods (not commercial cold storage)
- Selling to local markets (not immediate export)
Commercial Farming Reality:
- Irrigation systems that can support high fertilizer rates
- Immediate market access (no long storage needed)
- Professional management of each application
- Labor for 4-6 split applications per season
- Soil testing before each planting
Real Risks of Using Commercial Rates:
- Maize: Too much nitrogen causes lodging (plants fall over)
- Onions: Commercial rates rot bulbs in traditional storage
- Tomatoes: Excessive nitrogen grows leaves instead of fruits
- Soybeans: High nitrogen stops natural nitrogen fixation
- Financial loss: Spending K8,000/ha when K2,000/ha gives better returns
Why Our Recommendations Work for You:
- Based on field experience with Zambian smallholders
- Tested across common soil types (sandy, clay, loam)
- Account for typical rainfall patterns
- Use fertilizers available locally (Compound D, Urea, CAN)
- Match typical smallholder budgets and labor availability
Best Practices for Zambian Smallholders:
- Start with soil testing at your nearest extension office
- Build soil fertility slowly with manure/compost + fertilizer
- Follow the 4+4 rule for maize unless your soil test says otherwise
- For onions: Use CAN not Urea for better storage
- For tomatoes: Split applications if you can manage the labor
Remember: Higher fertilizer ≠ Higher profit when you factor in costs, storage losses, and market prices. These recommendations are designed to give you the best economic return per kwacha spent on fertilizer, not just the highest possible yield.