Smart Soil Practices Boost Yields

Banda urges farmers to understand soil nutrients and apply fertilizers efficiently for higher productivity.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Chilanga, Zambia24 – November 5, 2025 — Agricultural experts from the United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) in Zambia have warned that improper fertilizer use and poor soil management are reducing crop yields, threatening food security, and harming long-term soil health, emphasizing the urgent need for farmers to understand soil nutrients and apply fertilizers correctly.

Speaking at a panel discussion organized by UCF on sustainable agriculture, UCF Technical Adviser and Chemist, Rabby Banda, said many farmers apply fertilizers without knowing their soil’s nutrient needs. “Without a soil test, applying fertilizer is guessing,” Banda said.

 “It wastes money, harms the soil, and pollutes water sources. Farmers deserve better guidance, and the land deserves care.”

Banda explained that soil testing identifies nutrient deficiencies, allowing farmers to apply only what their land truly needs. Overuse of fertilizer not only increases costs but also causes nutrient runoff, which degrades soil fertility and contaminates rivers and streams.

He highlighted the need to match fertilizers to local soil conditions across Zambia’s three agroecological zones. Acidic soils, for example, require liming to improve nutrient availability, particularly magnesium, which is vital for photosynthesis. 

Banda also stressed proper timing: “Apply fertilizers when it’s not raining heavily. Heavy downpours wash nutrients away, and all your effort, money, and hope go down the drain.”

Banda encouraged communities to submit composite soil samples representing entire areas.

 “We can then formulate fertilizers that truly meet the needs of your land. This is how we ensure farmers get real value and better yields,” he said.

He added that fertilizer quality alone is insufficient. 

“Good seed, proper farm management, and consistent soil care must accompany fertilizer use. Only then can farmers see their hard work rewarded,” Banda said.

Reassuring farmers about product longevity, Banda said UCF fertilizers remain effective for several years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and rain. 

He advised farmers to purchase only what they need each season to avoid storage challenges and losses.

On pricing, Banda noted UCF has stabilized fertilizer costs nationwide. Before UCF, a 50kg bag could cost as much as K1,700. Today, local production and efficient sourcing of raw materials have reduced the price to K1,048.

 He confirmed uniform pricing under the E-voucher system, dismissing claims that some provinces pay more than others.

Banda outlined UCF’s mentorship and soil management programs, including portable soil testing kits and region-specific fertilizer formulations. 

“By understanding local soils and their unique needs, we can help farmers use fertilizer efficiently and sustainably,” he said.

Practical guidance for small-scale farmers included the use of pH test strips or small soil kits costing less than K10. “Moisten the soil, insert the strip—pink means acidic, blue means alkaline,” Banda said. 

He warned against applying lime to alkaline soils and urged farmers to avoid burning crop residues, emphasizing that organic matter is the lifeblood of healthy soil.

Banda clarified that most are nutrient supplements, not complete fertilizers. Highlighting zinc deficiency in Southern Province, he confirmed that UCF plans to develop custom blends to address regional gaps.

Banda reinforced the message: “We must transition from chemical dependence to soil intelligence. Knowledge-based agriculture is the foundation of food security and environmental protection.”

During the plenary discussion, Charles Sibene, Director at the Farmers Development Cooperative Unions, emphasized that fertilizer availability alone is insufficient to improve yields. 

Many farmers could produce 8–15 tons per hectare but currently achieve only 1.5–2 tons due to improper fertilizer use and neglected soil management. 

Sibene stressed that mentorship programs teaching correct fertilizer application, soil conservation, and crop management are essential for maximizing productivity. 

With support from extension officers, agricultural experts, and government mechanization programs, he said farmers could significantly increase output and profitability.

The Group Chief Operations Officer (GCOO) of UCF, Frank Mulenga, announced a major expansion of the company’s operations, including new manufacturing facilities and partnerships to strengthen fertilizer production and distribution across Zambia and Tanzania.

Reflecting on the company’s journey since the November 5, 2021 groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Mulenga said: “From that day up to now, we’ve witnessed tremendous growth.

 The demand for our products has pushed us to expand capacity, even constructing facilities in the United States to ensure farmers everywhere get the right products at the right time.”

Mulenga revealed that UCF has mapped all diesel and fertilizer pipelines, creating an efficient distribution system connecting over 180 districts.

 “Before these facilities, farmers struggled to access quality inputs. Today, they have the power to choose the right soil, improve their yields, and build a better future,” he said.

He highlighted UCF’s laboratories, which have operated for over 16 years, providing accurate soil analysis and tailored fertilizer formulations. 

“Take a soil sample from your one-acre farm, and you know exactly what your land needs. This is modern agriculture in action—precision farming made possible through technology and partnership,” Mulenga said.

Mulenga emphasized collaboration with government and private partners.

 “Partnerships allow us to work directly with farmers, distributors, pharmacists, and government teams. Together, we can ensure products are relevant, accessible, and meet the growing needs of the agricultural sector,” he said.

He urged government support for local producers through prioritizing homegrown fertilizers and agricultural products in public procurement. 

“Government and farmers are the biggest buyers. We must work together to expand production, create more products, and strengthen household-level productivity,” he said.

Farmers from 88 districts across Zambia toured local fertilizer production facilities ahead of the 2025/26 farming season. 

The initiative has sparked optimism among farmers, who view it as a critical step toward reducing dependency on imports and boosting national agricultural productivity.

Muwela Muyumbama, Chairperson of the Mongu District Association, described the development as “both surprising and encouraging. 

Seeing local production today gives me hope that next year, Zambia may be self-sufficient in urea and possibly even begin exporting. As a farmer, I am extremely grateful for this initiative.”

Martha Malama, Secretary of the Serenje District Farmers Association, highlighted the significance of local production. 

“Farmers are now safe knowing that fertilizer is being produced in the country. There will be no shortages, which allows us to plan our farming activities with confidence,” she said.

Singuwa Robert from Chirundu District added: 

“Seeing the operation motivates us. With this plant and others in the pipeline, farmers will have better access to fertilizer, which will help us produce more food locally. My advice to other farmers is to engage fully with their land and make use of this locally produced fertilizer.”

Lackson Kamayani of Kasempa District said: “This initiative is the result of years of planning and vision. The presence of locally produced fertilizer will help farmers overcome hardships and improve agricultural productivity. We encourage UCF and management to continue expanding this project.”

Trustee of the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), Phiri, urged farmers across the country to embrace locally produced fertilizer as a critical step toward achieving national food security and the 15th Vision goal of increased agricultural output.

 Speaking during a vote of thanks after the plant tour, Phiri said the project presents a unique opportunity for farmers to expand production and improve yields.

“This initiative aligns with our national vision to increase production and extend our fields to reach 10 million metric tons. With strong partnerships, particularly with UCF, and the dedication of our farmers, we can achieve these goals,” Phiri said. 

He added that phosphate and other local resources must be fully utilized to ensure Zambia produces enough food for its population.

Phiri commended all stakeholders for their resilience and commitment in bringing the project to the country, emphasizing the pivotal role of farmers in national development. 

He called for open access to production facilities so farmers from all provinces, including Southern and Northern regions, can benefit. 

“Farmers are the backbone of this country. Without them, we cannot feed our nation,” he said.

The nationwide visit underscores the significance of local fertilizer production in reducing dependency on imports, enhancing farm incomes, improving food security, and positioning Zambia as a potential fertilizer exporter.

Mulenga called for unity and collaboration. “With the right partnerships and the right products, we can secure food security and prosperity for our people,” he said.

The discussion ended with consensus that Zambia’s agricultural transformation depends on balancing productivity with sustainability, combining scientific innovation, farmer awareness, and supportive policy frameworks.