Fortifer is matured compost (well-composted) produced from dewatered fecal sludge (DFS) and sawdust or market waste. With these combinations the product is able to attain a Nitrogen (N) level of 2.0%. An enrich version has been developed, increasing the N to 3%. The composting process is well monitored and controlled to ensure the production of quality and safe compost.
Fortifer application rate
The application rate of Fortifer is defined by the crop and soil types. However, emphasis is usually placed on crop requirement. Since the Fortifer is being applied to meet the crop’s nutrient requirement, it is important to know the amount of nutrient required by the crop and the nutrient content of the Fortifer. Nutrient requirement for specific crops can be obtained from MoFA website.
Nutrient composition of various Fortifer formulations
This table indicates the nutrient composition of Fortifer formulations.
| Fortifier | Total N(%) | Total P(%) | Total K(%) | Mg(%) | Ca(%) | Pb(%) | Zn(%) | Mn(%) | Organic C (%) | Organic matter(%) | EC(mS/cm) | pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFS compost | 1.7-2.0 | 1.1-2.1 | 0.4-0.8 | – | – | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.015 | 9.1 | 16 | 3.0-9.0 | 6.0-6.6 |
| DFS + sawdust compost | 1.1-1.2 | 1.1 | 0.3-0.5 | – | – | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.007 | 16.7 | 31 | 1.1-1.7 | 8.6-8.7 |
| Enriched DFS + sawdust compost | 2.9-3.8 | 0.73-0.90 | 0.5-0.6 | 0.42-0.43 | 0.17-0.20 | 0.01 | 0.01-0.02 | 0.02-0.03 | 30.23 | 52 | 7.8 | 7.2-2.3 |
With Fortifer nutrients are released gradually through mineralization to the crop, however, with the enrich Fortifer about 50% of nutrients are made readily available to the crop. It is important to note that the Fortifer is rich in organic matter which will improve on soil physical and biological properties unlike chemical fertilizers.
Application method
The Fortifer application methods vary based on the type of formulation.
- The pellets, usually enriched, should be placed about 5cm from the base of the plant. The pellets can be placed on the soil surface or buried to about 5cm. Whether placed on the soil surface or buried, the pellets can be placed at one side of the plant (side placement) or around the plant (ring placement) maintaining the 5cm gap between the plant base and fertilizer. Methods of inorganic fertilizer application (such as ring placement, band placement and broadcasting) can be applied to the Fortifer pellets where applicable.
- The powdered Fortifer (enriched or non-enriched) can be incorporated or mixed with the soil or planting media. It can be applied on the soil surface or ploughed into the soil one week to planting or one week after planting. This may vary depending on the crop. A gap of 5cm should be left between the Fortifer and the plant.
Crops and Fortifer application recommended
The table below shows the recommended application rate of N and the quantity of Fortifer needed for that recommendation.
| Crop | MoFA recommendation (kg N/ha) | Fortifier (3% N) Quantity required (kg/ha) | Equivalent in bags (50kg) | NPK By Fortifier (N-P-K-OM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | 90-120 | 4000 | 80 | 120-52-24-33 |
| Cabbage | 70-102 | 3400 | 68 | 102-44-20-33 |
| Rice | 138-168 | 4600 | 92 | 138-60-28-33 |
| Banana | 110 | 3680 | 74 | 110-48-22-33 |
NB: The N application rate is based on recommended rates provided by MoFA
Product Availability
The first production plant is sited in Tema, due to complete in March 2016 and will commence sale in June 2016.