Farmers across Zimbabwe are staring at a potential crop disaster because they can't get ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Heavy continuous rains are washing away soil nutrients right when maize needs top dressing the most, and agro dealers have empty shelves. This specific fertilizer is key in wet conditions because it stays in the soil better than other types.
Sheila Moyo, a farmer from Ntabazinduna in Umguza District, says crops are turning yellow from nutrient loss. The excessive rainfall causes leaching, stripping nitrogen, which is vital for plant growth and green leaves. Farmer Zibusiso Ndlovu stresses that applying nitrogen after planting is non-negotiable for healthy maize, even if basal fertilizer was used initially.
Paul Zakariya from the Zimbabwe Farmers Union confirmed the top dressing shortage is a national issue affecting target yields. The government acknowledges the problem. Ministry Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri stated that a delayed import rule caused the bottleneck, but supplies are now being arranged to improve availability.
The common alternative, urea, has more nitrogen but is trickier to use. It must be buried in soil to work, unlike ammonium nitrate, which can be spread on the surface. Agricultural advisors say better farmer education on these options is essential to save maize production this rainy season.
Sheila Moyo, a farmer from Ntabazinduna in Umguza District, says crops are turning yellow from nutrient loss. The excessive rainfall causes leaching, stripping nitrogen, which is vital for plant growth and green leaves. Farmer Zibusiso Ndlovu stresses that applying nitrogen after planting is non-negotiable for healthy maize, even if basal fertilizer was used initially.
Paul Zakariya from the Zimbabwe Farmers Union confirmed the top dressing shortage is a national issue affecting target yields. The government acknowledges the problem. Ministry Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri stated that a delayed import rule caused the bottleneck, but supplies are now being arranged to improve availability.
The common alternative, urea, has more nitrogen but is trickier to use. It must be buried in soil to work, unlike ammonium nitrate, which can be spread on the surface. Agricultural advisors say better farmer education on these options is essential to save maize production this rainy season.
