Biota Nutri, Koppert Kenya announce positive trial results on calcium, iron

KENYA – Biota Nutri, a leading producer of organic fertilizers, has announced encouraging results from its recent trials in Kenya, conducted in collaboration with Koppert Kenya.

The trials tested the impact of Biota Calcium and Biota Iron on tomatoes and roses, respectively, showing significant improvements in crop yield and plant health.

These developments come at a critical time, as Kenya’s agricultural sector faces various challenges regarding fertilizer utilization and access.

Charles Macharia from Koppert Kenya expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that Biota Calcium had a marked effect on tomato plants.

“The calcium content of the tomato plants increased significantly, and yields improved by up to 15% compared to standard production methods,” Macharia said.

He added that the recommended application rate for Biota Calcium was 3ml/L to achieve these optimal results.

Similarly, Biota Iron was tested on roses, where it reduced iron deficiency in the plants and increased the number of marketable flowers. “The foliar application of Biota Iron proved effective, with 5g/1000L being the ideal rate for best results,” Macharia explained.

These positive outcomes highlight the potential of Biota Nutri’s organic fertilizers to enhance crop health and yields in Kenya, especially at a time when the country’s fertilizer sector is experiencing major shifts.

The current fertilizer landscape in Kenya

Kenya’s reliance on imported fertilizers continues to shape its agricultural landscape. In 2022, the country imported approximately 657,730 metric tons of fertilizers, including key types such as NPK, DAP, CAN, and Urea.

However, global supply chain disruptions and price increases led to a noticeable drop in fertilizer imports compared to previous years.

In response, the Kenyan government launched the National Fertilizer Subsidy Program in September 2022 to provide relief to farmers.

This initiative, which offers fertilizers at half the commercial price, has so far distributed around 3.5 million 50 kg bags across 41 counties by mid-2023.

While the subsidy has helped some farmers, challenges remain, particularly for smallholder farmers who still face barriers to accessing modern agricultural inputs, such as high costs and limited credit availability.

Furthermore, local production of fertilizers in Kenya is limited, with only a few companies like KEL Chemicals producing phosphate fertilizers.

Most fertilizers are imported and blended by companies such as CFAO Agri Limited and Fertiplant East Africa, making sustainable and affordable alternatives critical for the future.

The role of Biota Nutri, Koppert Kenya in sustainable agriculture

Biota Nutri and Koppert Kenya’s collaboration is positioned to address some of these challenges by offering organic solutions that are both sustainable and effective.

Biota Nutri focuses on producing organic fertilizers through circular methods, converting vegetable waste into nutrient-rich fertilizers. Koppert Kenya, known for its natural pest control and biostimulants, has a long-standing commitment to promoting healthier agricultural practices.

“Our work with Koppert Kenya is aligned with the growing need for sustainable and locally viable agricultural solutions,” said a representative from Biota Nutri. “These trials demonstrate how organic products can not only improve crop yield but also support the long-term health of the soil.”

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