How Many Bags of Fertilizer Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Fertilizer Calculator
In Kenya, fertilizer requirements vary by crop: Maize needs 2-4 bags per acre (1 bag DAP + 1-2 bags CAN), Potatoes require 4-6 bags per acre (4 bags NPK + 1 bag CAN), Beans/Green Grams need just 0.5-1 bag DAP(legumes fix nitrogen), and Wheat uses 2-3 bags (1 bag DAP + 1.5 bags CAN). At 2025 prices, expect to spend KES 11,000-18,000/acre for maize, KES 25,000-35,000/acre for potatoes, and KES 1,700-3,400/acre for legumes. Proper fertilization increases yields by 25-50% over unfertilized crops.
Fertilizer Requirements by Crop (Per Acre)
| Crop | Basal Fertilizer | Top-Dress | Total Cost (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | 50kg DAP or NPK | 50kg CAN + 25kg Urea | KES 13,550-16,300 |
| Beans | 25kg DAP or TSP | None (fixes nitrogen) | KES 1,700-3,000 |
| Potatoes | 200kg NPK 17:17:17 | 50kg CAN | KES 26,500 |
| Wheat | 50kg DAP | 75kg CAN | KES 13,550 |
| Green Grams | 25kg DAP | None (fixes nitrogen) | KES 1,700 |
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Complete Guide to Fertilizer Use in Kenya
Proper fertilizer use is essential for profitable farming in Kenya. Most Kenyan soils are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, limiting yields even when other conditions are favorable. Strategic fertilizer application can increase crop yields by 25-50%, often doubling or tripling the value of the fertilizer investment.
Understanding which fertilizers to use, when to apply them, and in what quantities separates profitable farms from struggling ones. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations from KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization) and practical insights from successful Kenyan farmers.
Crop-Specific Fertilizer Recommendations
Maize Fertilization
Maize is a heavy nitrogen feeder requiring both basal and top-dress applications for optimal yields.
- Basal (at planting): 50kg DAP or 50kg NPK 17:17:17 per acre
- Top-dress (4-6 weeks): 50kg CAN per acre
- Optional boost (8 weeks): 25kg Urea for intensive production
- Total cost: KES 11,300-16,300 per acre
- Expected yield increase: 30-60% over unfertilized
Potato Fertilization
Potatoes are the heaviest fertilizer users among common Kenyan crops, requiring balanced NPK nutrition.
- Basal (at planting): 200-300kg NPK 17:17:17 or NPK 23:23:0 per acre
- Top-dress (4 weeks): 50-100kg CAN per acre
- Total cost: KES 26,500-38,000 per acre
- Expected yield increase: 40-70% over unfertilized
- ROI: Every KES 1 in fertilizer generates KES 3-5 in extra potatoes
Beans & Green Grams (Legumes)
Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, requiring only phosphorus fertilization.
- Basal only: 25-50kg DAP or TSP per acre
- No top-dressing needed - excess nitrogen reduces pod formation
- Total cost: KES 1,700-3,400 per acre
- Expected yield increase: 20-40% over unfertilized
Fertilizer Economics: Is It Worth It?
| Crop | Fertilizer Cost | Yield Increase | Extra Revenue | Net Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | KES 13,550 | +10 bags | KES 45,000 | +KES 31,450 |
| Potatoes | KES 26,500 | +80 bags | KES 120,000 | +KES 93,500 |
| Beans | KES 1,700 | +3 bags | KES 27,000 | +KES 25,300 |
The data clearly shows that fertilizer investment pays for itself many times over. For every shilling spent on fertilizer, Kenyan farmers typically earn 2-5 shillings in extra crop value, making it one of the highest-return farm inputs available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of fertilizer per acre for maize in Kenya?
Maize requires 2-4 bags per acre: 1 bag (50kg) DAP at planting, 1 bag (50kg) CAN at 4-6 weeks, and optionally 0.5 bags (25kg) Urea at 8 weeks. Total cost: KES 11,300-16,300 per acre.
What is the best fertilizer for potatoes in Kenya?
NPK 17:17:17 or NPK 23:23:0 provides balanced nutrition potatoes need. Apply 200-300kg (4-6 bags) at planting, plus 50-100kg CAN top-dress at 4 weeks. This combination maximizes tuber production.
Do beans need fertilizer?
Beans fix their own nitrogen but need phosphorus. Apply only 25-50kg DAP or TSP at planting. No top-dressing needed. Avoid nitrogen fertilizers which reduce pod formation.
When should I apply fertilizer?
Apply basal fertilizer at planting time in furrows or mixed with soil. Top-dress 4-6 weeks later when plants are knee-high and soil is moist. Apply before or after rain for best uptake.
How much does fertilizer cost in Kenya 2025?
2025 prices per 50kg bag: DAP KES 6,800, CAN KES 4,500, NPK 17:17:17 KES 5,500, Urea KES 5,000. Prices vary by supplier and season. Buy early for better prices.
Maximize Your Farm Productivity
Proper fertilizer use is not optional for profitable farming in Kenya - it's essential. The investment consistently pays for itself many times over through increased yields and higher quality crops.
Use our calculator to determine exact fertilizer needs for your crops and farm size. Buy quality fertilizer from reputable suppliers, apply at the right time using recommended rates, and watch your yields - and profits - increase substantially. Combined with good seed and proper agronomic practices, fertilizer investment transforms subsistence farming into profitable agriculture.