ZARI WARNS FARMERS AGAINST MIXING FERTILIZERS “CHANGANYA

By TAONGAABNER KANTINI

The Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) has urged farmers to stop the common practice of mixing fertilizers—locally known as ‘changanya’—as it contributes to low maize yields and inefficient use of inputs. The warning was issued during a soil sampling and fertilizer management training held at the Luano District Agriculture Office.

ZARI Senior Agricultural Research Officer, Dr. Nkumbu Mutwale, explained that mixing and applying fertilizers after the maize crop has already grown does not adequately benefit the plants, as they lack these nutrients at their critical growth development stage. She said the nutrients are applied too late to support proper development, leading to wasted fertilizer and poor crop performance

“Mixing fertilizers after the crop has already grown does not benefit the plant,” Dr. Mutwale said. “By the time farmers apply the mixture, the nutrients are no longer useful to the crop, and the fertilizer simply goes to waste.”

Dr. Mutwale emphasized that the ‘Changanya’ method is not recommended. She said D-Compound and Urea serve different purposes and must be applied at specific stages of crop development.

She added that ‘changanya’ is one of the major factors contributing to small-scale farmers harvesting less than 2 tonnes per hectare. The researcher explained that when fertilizers are added at the wrong time, the maize cobs do not fillad equately, resulting in low yields for the majority of small-scale farmers.

“The plants do not grow with the needed strength and vigor; as a result, they do not release their full potential,” she said.

The practice is common among small-scale farmers who often delay in buying fertilizer and attempt to compensate by applying D-Compound and Urea to gether once the maize has already emerged. Dr. Mutwale stressed that this approach disrupts the plant’s growth cycle rather than boosting it.

She urged farmers to purchase D-Compound and other essential inputs before the planting season begins. According to her, the correct application method is to add 5grams of D-Compound—or one metal bottle-top measure—into each planting hole, lightly cover it with soil, and then place the seed on top before burying everything.

For farmers who fail to apply basal dressing during planting, she advised that it can still be applied immediately after the crop emerges. Top dressing with Urea should then follow four weeks after emergence.

Dr. Mutwale noted that applying each fertilizer at the correct time ensures the maize receives the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, increased cob formation, and improved yields. She urged farmers to follow recommended fertilizer schedules to unlock the full potential of their maize fields.