Managu, also known as black nightshade, is an indigenous traditional vegetable that is very popular and loved for its deliciousness in Kenyan homes. Managu grows well in many Kenyan soils, takes a short period to mature, and then starts paying back. The starting capital is affordable, and it also requires minimal field management routine, making it a viable agribusiness venture. However, fertilizer is a critical catalyst for transforming your managu farming venture into a profitable investment. In this article, you will be able to find the solution of the best fertilizer for your managu
Below is a list of the best fertilizers for managu in Kenya:
1. Organic Manure Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer is the cheapest alternative to manure, which is made from available animal droppings, plant remains, and other compostable synthetic materials. Organic sources of manure are strongly recommended, such as poultry or farmyard manure.
Reasons Why Organic Manure is the Best Fertilizer for Managu in Kenya
1. By mixing this compost into the soil, you can improve its moisture-holding capacity.
2. Manure also contains beneficial bacteria, which convert nutrients into readily accessible forms so they can be slowly released without burning tender managu roots.
3. Use of manure improved the soil’s fertility and increased the managu plant’s yield.
4. Manure produces about a third fewer greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly.
5. Manure acts as a mulch, thus allowing you to water less frequently, therefore, the roots of the managu can use the additional water and nutrients whenever needed.
2. DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate Fertilizer)
DAP is the most commonly used fertilizer by many farmers; it is mainly preferred for planting because it contains both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are primary macronutrients and part of the essential plant nutrients required at early growth stages.
5 Reasons Why DAP is the Best Fertilizer for Managu in Kenya
1. DAP is the most appropriate compost for the basal because it contains phosphorus, which is essential in establishing the roots and stem of the managu plant.
2. DAP fertilizer is an excellent source of phosphorus and nitrogen for plant nutrition since it quickly releases the required nutrients to the managu at the right time.
3. DAP is the best fertilizer as a starter portion in managu since the young, developing roots require more phosphorus and less nitrogen.
4. DAP enhances the growth of healthy managu since it has sulfur, which facilitates the intake of nitrogen and phosphorous in the plant.
5. DAP helps stabilize the soil pH since it has ammonium, an excellent source of nitrogen that is quickly converted to nitrate by the soil.
3. CAN Fertilizer
CAN is a basal fertilizer best used as a top dresser since it is rich in nitrogen, ensuring your managu get sufficient nutrients throughout their entire growth period.
4 Reasons Why CAN Fertilizer is the Best fertilizer for Managu in Kenya
1. CAN supply the managu with nitrogen throughout the growth period
CAN is a nitrogen fertilizer that contains equal parts of fast-acting nitrate-nitrogen and longer-lasting ammonium-nitrogen
2. CAN facilitates the efficient growth of the managu crop.
CAN is made up of a lot of nitrogen, which is crucial in the vegetative growth of the managu plant and increases the metabolic action of the managu plant.
3. CAN fertilizer is flexible for use in any soil pH
CAN is considered a near-neutral fertilizer for its effect on soil pH; therefore, it can be used without further lowering the soil PH.
4. CAN contain Calcium, which helps in the root development
CAN is also made up of calcium, a key component that facilitates the growth of healthy managu roots.
4. NPK Fertilizer
NPK fertilizers provide the managu with three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
4 Reasons Why NPK Fertilizer is the Best Fertilizer for Managu
1. NPK has nitrogen, which improves the green and vegetative growth of the managu plant.
2. NPK contains phosphorus, which helps to improve the roots, stems, and flowering of the managu.
3. NPK contains potassium, which helps in dealing with environmental stress, extreme temperatures, and pest attacks.
4. NPK contains potassium, which is required throughout the growing season as it helps maintain the ionic balance and water status within the managu plant.
5. Urea Fertilizer
Urea is the most important nitrogenous fertilizer on the market; it is a white, crystalline organic chemical compound with the highest nitrogen content of about 46 percent. Urea has a neutral pH and can adapt to almost all kinds of soils.
5 Reasons Why Urea is the Best Fertilizer for Managu in Kenya
1. Urea fertilizers provide the managu with nitrogen that promotes vegetative growth and makes the plants look lush.
2. Urea fertilizer also aids the photosynthesis process of the managu plants since it promotes the increase of chlorophyll that facilitates photosynthesis.
3. Urea fertilizer is relatively cheap compared to other nitrogenous fertilizers, thus minimizing the production cost
4. Since urea fertilizer can provide only nitrogen and not phosphorus or potassium, it’s primarily used for bloom growth.
5. Urea is neutral in pH, can adapt to almost all kinds of soils, and is harmless to the managu and soil.
Fertilizer Ratio for Managu in Kenya
Use manure at 20–25 tons per hectare, applied at the time of land preparation. A moderate fertilizer dose of 75:40:40 NPK. P is a basal dose, and N and K are applied in 2-3 split doses.
Managu Fertilizer Schedule
Apply DSP or DAP to the soil at 75 kilograms per acre as the land is being prepared for planting. This will give your managu the required phosphorus since it is required in large quantities. Alternatively, 8 tonnes of manure or compost per acre should be mixed into the soil two weeks before transplanting managu seedlings.
Another option is to apply eight tons of manure with 40 kg of DAP per acre. Topdressing with CAN or SA should be done after weeding for the second time to give the African Nightshade plant much-needed nitrogen.
Dos and Don’ts When Applying Fertilizer in Managu
1. Top dressing is always required every two weeks or after every second harvest.
2. In the absence of organic sources, inorganic sources could be used: NPK, urea, or sulphate of ammonia. These should be applied as a side dressing two weeks after transplanting.
3. Since Urea is highly Nitrogen-concentrated, it should be used in combination with earth or sand before its application
4. Urea should be applied at the time of sowing. It should not come in contact with the seeds. It also can be used as a top dressing.
5. However, care should be taken as too much nitrogen makes the plants susceptible to diseases and may lead to the accumulation of nitrates at toxic levels.
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