Napier grass is a perennial grass, and if it isn’t cut down in time, it can grow to be 4–5 meters tall. Napier grass exists in different species, which vary in leaf size, texture, and stem size. Napier grass is unsuitable for grazing because it cannot withstand trampling; however, as choppings, it is best suited for silage production and direct feeding of zero-grazing animals. In order to achieve maximum yields, fertilizer will be a great boost to Napier grass, and in this article, we are going to offer you information on the best fertilizer for your Napier grass.
Here is a list of the best fertilizers for Napier grass in Kenya:
1. TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) Fertilizer
Triple superphosphate is a soluble fertilizer that can be put on the soil as a single nutrient. This gives Napier grass a good source of phosphorous, which is more important than nitrogen for its growth of leaves.
Reasons Why TSP is the Best Fertilizer for the Napier Grass
1. TSP fertilizer has 15 calcium ions that help Napier grass get more of what it needs to grow.
2. TSP has over 90% of total phosphorous and is highly soluble in water; hence becomes rapidly available for the plant uptake
2. TSP is a kind of highly concentrated water-soluble phosphate-based fertilizer that is very essential for the root system of Napier grass.
3.TSP fertilizer helps Napier grass grow into a strong, healthy plant that is resistant to both pests and diseases.
4. TSP is a quick-acting fertilizer that helps Napier grass deliver higher yields and improve the vegetative quality of the grass.
5. TSP is an ideal fertilizer for Napier grass since it helps to support the leaves, especially during the transplanting period.
2. Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer
Phosphorus and nitrogen are two important nutrients for Napier grass that can be found in DAP fertilizer. It is also highly soluble and dissolves quickly in soil to release phosphorus and ammonium to Napier grass, which is most needed during the young stage.
5 Reasons Why DAP is the Best Fertilizer for Napier Grass in Kenya
1. DAP has Sulphur that contributes to the intake of nitrogen and phosphorous in the Napier grass
2. DAP has ammonium, which is an excellent source of nitrogen and is quickly converted to nitrate by the soil to help regulate the soil pH.
3. DAP fertilizer is a starter dose of nitrogen with low sulphur, which is beneficial to Nappier grass, especially during the early stage since the roots will be underdeveloped.
4. DAP is the perfect fertilizer for planting Napier grass and provides full phosphorus nutrition throughout crop growth and development, as well as a starter dose of nitrogen and low sulphur.
5. DAP is the most concentrated phosphate-based nutrient, which is the essential nutrient element in providing energy that facilitates the growth of Napier grass.
3. Manure Fertilizer
Manure is an organic fertilizer mainly made of animal feces, plant materials, and compost. It is the best and most environmentally friendly fertilizer and improves soil fertility. Manure can be grouped as farmyard manure, green manure, and compost manure.
Reason Why Manure Fertilizer is the Best Fertilizer for Napier Grass
1. Manure increases the percentage of organic matter in the soil, therefore enhancing the ability of the roots to go deep into the soil. These help in the suppression of weeds and the prevention of soil erosion.
2. Manure improves the soil structure and is used as a natural fertilizer in farming,
3. Manure increases the capacity of the soil to hold more water and nutrients.
4.. Manure increases the nutrient value of the soil and thus improves plant health.
5. Manure also increases the microbial activity of the soil to improve its mineral and nutrient supply to the Napier grass.
4. CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate)
CAN is a nitrogen fertilizer that contains equal parts of fast-acting nitrate nitrogen and longer-lasting ammonium nitrogen.
Reasons Why CAN is the Best Fertilizer for Napier Grass in Kenya
1. The volatilization of nitrogen from CAN is negligible, therefore the timing of the applications is flexible.
2. CAN is a nitrogen fertilizer that is considered near-neutral in its effect on soil pH and thus can suit soils that have a low pH without being lowered further.
3. CAN has nitrogen which contain equal parts of fast acting nitrate – nitrogen and longer Ammonium-nitrogen
4. CAN helps the Napier grass be resistant to stressors such as drought, certain diseases, and frost.
5. CAN is easy to use, is suitable for straight application, and is also good for blending.
6. CAN is made up of 26% nitrogen, which makes it ideal for your Napier grass since it requires a lot of nitrogen.
Napier Grass Fertilizer Application Schedule
Use 1–2 bags of TSP or DAP fertilizer per hectare at planting, followed by 5–7 bags of CAN fertilizer in three split applications per year, applied after harvesting and weeding in subsequent years. Apply 10t per hectare of farmyard manure at planting. In the following years, apply the same amount, preferably after every harvest.
Use 1/2 or 1 bag of TSP or DAP plus 5 t per hectare of farmyard manure at planting; apply 5 t per hectare of farmyard manure plus 2–3 bags of CAN in three split applications per year in subsequent years. Apply 60 kg of slurry in furrows at planting followed by split application of the same quantity twice a year or more frequently if possible after harvesting
Fertilizer Application Ratio for Napier
The fertilizer application ratio for Napier grass when using NPK is 20-20-0, 1 teaspoon per hole at planting. During the heavy rains, apply NPK in the ratios 20-10-10 or 20-20-0, four tablespoons per plant. Moreover, CAN may be applied as a topdress at the rate of one table spoon per plant after cutting.
4 Dos and Don’ts When Applying Fertilizer on Napier grass
1. While using urea, ensure you avoid excess ammonia since it may likely burn your Napier grass.
2. When choosing fertilizer, ensure you go for the fertilizer with the right ratio so as to minimize the production cost and problems associated with under-fertilization and excess fertilization.
3. When using manure, avoid using manure from livestock that have previously been fed with smut-infected plants.
4. Maintain a consistent fertilizing pattern for your Napier grass in order to provide a consistent essential nutrient to sustain their growth.
