by Kobus Smith, Omnia Fertiliser, Zambia

Plant nutrition can be a complicated subject, especially since the needs of the specific crop, the nutrient source, as well as the climate and soil of the region must be considered.

However, if you find the right combination of products to address the needs of a specific crop and a specific region, this process becomes much simpler and will yield more reliable results.

Let us look at what a maize plant needs to grow healthy and give a good yield:

• Nitrogen is needed by young maize plants to boost early growth to develop in a strong and healthy plant. Responsible for good growth and green colour. A maize crop requires 20 kg/Ha N for every tonne of grain produced.

• Phosphorus is essential for the development of a strong and healthy root system. Good roots help the plant to better tolerate water shortages. Maize requires 7 kg/Ha P2O5 for every tonne of grain produced.

• Potassium plays a big role in the transpiration tempo of the leaves and the water usage, thereby improving the water usage of the plant. It also assists the plant in dealing with salt stress. Maize requires 5 kg/Ha K2O for every tonne of grain produced.

• Sulphur is important in the forma- tion of proteins and in the formation of chlorophyll. Deficiencies have a great influence on crop yields. The maize plant needs 3 kg/Ha S for every tonne of grain produced.

• Zinc and Boron – these micronutrients are needed in small quantities by the plant, but are important in disease resistance, plant health and crop yields.

All of these in one product

Omnia has recently launched a new product, specifically for Zambian maize growers, that contains all these elements in the right quantities to ensure a good maize crop.

MAXI GREEN™ contains the following nutrients:

• Nitrogen (18% N) in the ammonium nitrate form. Ammonium nitrate is the superior N source as it is more plant available and will not escape into the air like urea tends to do.

• Phosphorus (11% P2O5) as Nitrophos, which also contains nitrogen. This source is completely water soluble and is immediately available for plant uptake.

• Potassium (8% K2O) as potassium chloride.

• Sulphur (4%)

• Zinc (0,4%)

• Boron (0,2%)

How to apply MAXI GREEN™

As basal fertiliser, we recommend 250 kg (five bags) of MAXI GREEN™ per hectare. This should be followed by 200 kg (four bags) of GREENSULF™ per hectare as a top dressing. GREENSULF ™ contains ammonium nitrate nitrogen, as well as calcium and sulphur. These recommended rates will ensure enough nutrients to yield at least four tonnes of maize per hectare, if enough water (rain) is available and a good pest and weed control programme is followed.

In summary

MAXI GREEN™ is a superior plant basal fertiliser specifically formulated for Zambian maize producers. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, boron and zinc and supplies all the required nutrients in the correct ratios. It improves yields when used as a basal fertiliser in combination with GREENSULF™ as a top dressing. Use MAXI GREEN™ and GREENSULF ™ for a healthy and GREEN maize crop and reap the rewards!

Contact Moomba Nang’amba at 097-742-1311, or Phidelis Mubagwe at 097-726-8404 for more information.