Kenya Farmers
Where the natural pond productivity is enhanced through fertilizer application, reasonable production can be achieved without exogenous feeding. Although yields will be lower than those obtained with exogenous feeding, fertilizer application will reduce the quantity and expense of feeding.
Application of an inorganic fertilizer high in phosphorus should be done prior to stocking fish to create an algal bloom. Tilapia productivity is stimulated mainly by an increase in phosphorus and to a lesser extent by an increase in nitrogen. The inorganic fertilizers used in Kenya are DAP and CAN.
Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) and Urea are the cheaper sources of nutrients.
For Phosphorus; DAP or TSP
For Nitrogen; UREA
a) Methods of applying chemical fertilizers:
Dissolve the fertilizer in a bucket of water by stirring, and then sprinkle the solution at different points of the pond. If you throw the fertilizer in while dry, it will sink and some of the nutrients, especially phosphorus will be absorbed by the mud.
Application Rates for chemical fertilizers recommended in Kenya:
D.A.P: 2g/m2 every week i.e. 200g per 100m2 per week.
UREA: 3g/m2/week i.e. 300g/100m2/week.
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