Introduction
Asili, a compost-based organic fertilizer composed of biochar, chicken manure, and avocado pulp, has been shown to improve crop yields significantly while being four times cheaper than Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) at Ksh 1500 per 50kg bag compared to Ksh 6500 for DAP. This case study follows the experiences of three Kenyan farmers—a rice farmer in Mwea, a tomato farmer in Murang’a, and a maize farmer in Kiambu—who switched to Asili for their agricultural practices.
Rice Farmer – Mwea
Background
John, a rice farmer in Mwea, traditionally relied on DAP to fertilise his paddy fields. He switched to Asili, drawn by its affordable price and organic composition, which promised to improve soil health over time.
Application
John applied Asili at the recommended rate for rice, replacing the usual DAP dosage he used before. He also applied a top dressing of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) to further enhance growth. Given that rice farming is water-intensive, John was interested in how Asili’s biochar component, known for retaining moisture, would impact his fields.
Results
Early Growth: Germination rates were high, and plants showed vigorous early growth, with dark green leaves and healthy stems similar to the results seen in black cotton soils from previous trials.
Yield: John reported a significant increase in yield compared to previous seasons using DAP. The moisture-retaining properties of biochar helped his rice withstand periods of uneven rainfall, ensuring healthy crop growth.
Cost Savings: With Asili being 1/4 the price of DAP, John cut his fertiliser costs by 75%, allowing him to invest in other aspects of his farming operations.
Tomato Farmer – Murang’a
Background
Grace, a tomato farmer from Murang’a, had struggled with nutrient deficiencies in her red soil, which resulted in inconsistent yields. She had previously used DAP but decided to switch to Asili due to its affordability and the trial results showing improved tomato growth in black and red soils.
Application
Grace applied Asili both pre-planting and as a top dressing, following the same methodology as in the trials. She was particularly interested in the organic nature of Asili, as it promised to improve soil structure and nutrient content over time.
Results
Early Growth: Asili-treated plants showed robust growth, with dark green, healthy leaves. The biochar in Asili improved the soil's ability to retain nutrients and moisture, which was critical during dry periods.
Tomato Yield: Grace saw a marked improvement in her tomato yields, with an increase of approximately 20% over her previous DAP-fertilised crops. The plants were stronger and bore more fruit, with fewer signs of nutrient deficiencies such as yellowing leaves.
Cost Efficiency: Switching to Asili saved Grace a substantial amount of money. She purchased four bags of Asili for the price of one bag of DAP, drastically reducing her input costs and increasing her profitability.
Maize Farmer – Kiambu
Background
David, a maize farmer from Kiambu, struggled with declining yields due to poor soil fertility. He had always relied on DAP, but rising costs had made it difficult to sustain his farming operations. After hearing about Asili, he decided to trial it on his maize fields.
Application: David replaced DAP with Asili and added a top dressing of CAN during the growing season. He was hopeful that Asili’s nutrient profile, particularly its composted biochar content, would restore soil health and improve his maize yield.
Results:
Early Growth: David observed that his maize plants germinated quickly and grew with strong, thick stems and dark green leaves, much like the results observed in the black cotton soil trials with Asili.
Maize Yield: His maize yield increased significantly, with Asili + CAN treatment outperforming DAP in terms of both quantity and quality of harvest. David harvested 10-15% more maize than in previous seasons, with healthier plants that were more resistant to stress.
Affordability: David's fertiliser expenses were reduced by 75%, allowing him to expand his farm operations. The low cost of Asili also gave him the flexibility to invest in better farm equipment and improve overall productivity.
Conclusion
The case studies of these three Kenyan farmers demonstrate the effectiveness of Asili as a cost-efficient and high-performing alternative to DAP. In addition to being significantly cheaper, Asili improved crop yields across various soil types and crops, including rice, tomatoes, and maize. Its biochar component not only enhanced soil structure and nutrient retention but also provided long-term benefits for soil health, making it a sustainable option for farmers looking to reduce costs and boost productivity.
By switching to Asili, farmers like John, Grace, and David were able to cut their fertilizer costs by 75% while improving their yields, thereby increasing their profitability and ensuring better crop resilience. These results highlight the potential for Asili to revolutionize farming practices in Kenya.
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