Farmers told organic fertilisers will boost yields

By Kevin Tunoi

Farmers in the North Rift region have been warned against the use of conventional fertilisers as they increase soil acidity and decrease crop yields.

The farmers were called upon to embrace the use of organic fertilisers because they neutralise high acidity in soil thus replacing lost carbon.

Paul Ndalut, a Biochemistry professor at the Chepkoilel University College, noted that crop yields in the region had decreased over time due to excessive use of commercial fertilisers that deprive soils of microbes. The professor also attributed the slump in production to the regular application of chemicals like pesticides.

Prof Ndalut, who is working on the improvement of a patented organic fertiliser, stated that the product seeks to address soil acidity.

He pointed out that after trials in the college’s farm, production of crops using the fertiliser increased threefold.

He said on average an acre of land would produce 10 to 15 bags of wheat using conventional fertiliser whilst on exploitation of organic fertiliser the output surpasses 35 bags.

“This fertiliser that we seek to improve better is rich in carbon and has no negative impact on crops or the soil composition,” said Ndalut. He added that the fertiliser was cheaper compared to the conventional ones thus encouraging large-scale farming.

Waste Water

Ndalut mentioned that the organic farm input was a product of waste water from the Agro-Chemicals company in Muhoroni that deals in the production of ethanol and bakers’ yeast. “From the 1.2 million litres of waste water released from the company we discovered that its composition was basic and full of carbon, which is perfect for crops,” he noted.

Kenya Farmers Association Director Kipkorir Menjo echoed Ndalut’s sentiments, adding that the Government should put in place policies that encourage the switch to organic farming.

He stated that the markets now demand for crops grown out of organic matter because it has no negative side effects on either the soil, human and animal health.