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THE BASICS OF FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION
Wikipedia defines fertilizer as any material of natural or synthetic origin applied to soil or plant tissues to supply plant nutrients essential to plants' growth. Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, and Sulphur are the four most vital nutrients needed for high crop yields and sustainable food production. After harvest, many of these nutrients are depleted; however, fertilizers help replenish the soil of the lost nutrients incurred during plants' growth and yield. As humans need adequate and consistent food to grow and develop, plants and crops need to get proper required nutrition from the soil to strive, and fertilizer is the food plants and soil feed on. A fertilizer is a core requirement a farmer has come to depend on for productive and incremental yield aside from other factors such as quality of seed.
Types of Fertilizer
Fertilizers can be grouped into two; organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizers, often referred to as inorganic fertilizer.
Organic Fertilisers are derived from animal matter, animal excreta (manure), human excreta, and vegetable matter (e.g., compost and crop residues). The nutrient content of organic fertilizers varies greatly among source materials; biodegradable materials make better nutrient sources for organic fertilizer. Their slow absorption by the soil characterizes organic fertilizers. If immediate transformation is needed and absorption is slow, organic fertilizers might not be ideal.
Inorganic or Synthetic Fertilisers are produced from chemical material with a definite proportion of the desired nutrients (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Sulphur) beneficial to the crops. Their immediate nutritional effects characterize inorganic fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers rely on soil organisms to break down organic matter, so nutrients are released more slowly than inorganic fertilizers. This method, slow but effective, reduces the risk of nutrient leaching(leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil), but it takes time to supply plants' nutrients. In contrast, inorganic fertilizers provide this nutrition in a ready form immediately. However, the concentration of nutrients increases the risk of burning the plant. The rapid release of nutrients may leach them deeply into the soil and water table where plants can't access them, thereby killing them.
Fertilizer Forms
Fertilizers come in different forms; liquid, granulated and powdered form.
Liquid fertilizers are often diluted with water. Spreading them is similar to watering your garden, usually done with an attachment to spray.
Powdered fertilizers also need water to be productive. Usually, they are spread by hand and watered to complete absorption.
Granular fertilizers can easily be spread on top of the soil. These nutrient pack granules will be soaked into your garden over time as you water it.
Essential Nutrients in Fertilizers (NPK)
Nitrogen: (N)
Nitrogen is a nutrient responsible for plant growth. This ingredient is useful in fertilizers, particularly during the middle stages of a plant's lifespan for the continual development of stem and new leaves. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers have sources of Nitrogen in them.
Phosphate: (P)
Phosphorous is a nutrient that plants need continuously. Throughout a plant's lifecycle, Phosphorous helps to strengthen the root system and stems of a plant. Flowering, seeding, and fruiting can all be improved with phosphorous. When a plant is deficient in phosphorus, there is an experience of stunted growth. Although phosphorous is slow-acting, it is considered long-lasting. It is advisable to apply fertilizer in the soil before planting as this will aid rapid growth.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is also needed for plant growth and stronger roots. It also protects plants from harm, especially when they are deprived of nutrients. A yellow or brownish leaf edge characterizes potassium deficiency in a plant.
Fertilizer Application
Plants require different ways of fertilizer application. The condition for application plays a significant role in how fertilizer would be applied.
Granulated fertilizers might require using a cultivator. Gently scratch the soil beneath plants with roots growing close to the surface. Apply a dry granular fertilizer and water thoroughly. Because roots may extend several feet beyond the drip line, be sure to spread fertilizer out wide enough to reach all the roots.
Liquid fertilizers can be applied with a watering can. You can also use an injector device to run the fertilizer through your watering system. Don't apply liquid fertilizer at the same time you plant. Fertilizers will reach the roots immediately and might kill off the plant. Wait for 2 to 3 weeks after planting before you fertilize. Drones are now being used to spray our plants. These drones work with precision and cover a broader area in lesser time.
Advantages of Fertilizers
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They increase crop yield, thereby providing more food to feed a large population.
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They have a rapid effect on the crops.
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They are easy to transport, store, and apply.
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Fertilizers increase plants' tolerance towards pests. This has reduced plants' reliance on insecticides and herbicides, thereby producing healthier crops
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Fertilizers improve the water holding capacity of the plants and increase root depth
Fertilizer Distribution Start-Up
Over the last 20 years, there has been an encouraging upward trend in inorganic fertilizer consumption. In 2016, fertilizer consumption in Nigeria was 5.5 kilograms per hectare; however, Nigeria's fertilizer consumption fluctuated substantially in recent years
In the year 2020, the minister for Agriculture in Nigeria, Sabo Nanona, expressed high hopes that Nigeria will have no business importing fertilizers by 2023. According to him, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that the country requires about 7million metric tons of fertilizer annually, and Nigeria has been able to produce 5million metric tons annually.
Fertilizer production in Nigeria requires much capital and requires license and approval. However, it is easy to start a fertilizer distribution company in Nigeria. To start this, you need the following steps.
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Business Plan
A good business plan is required before start-up. This plan act as a guide or blueprint as to how you want your business to shape out. In addition to this, since it will involve more capital, the business plan will help convince money lenders or investors that your business is worth putting money into.
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Sourcing for Capital
It is a known fact that capital is a much-needed requirement for any business. A fertilizer business requires adequate money to run. The capital needed to run it is not fixed; it varies based on how big you want your fertilizer business. The average price of NPK fertilizer is now ?5000 to ?5500 per 50kg. So, on a medium scale level, ?100,000 is adequate for a promising start-up. Numerous banks and financial institutes specialize in giving financial assistance to people involved in the fertilizer business. These banks and agencies are on platforms like www.nairaagro.com. Loan services will be provided once all required criteria are met.
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License and Approval
The next step is to register the company and business name with appropriate bodies, acquire the necessary license and approval from bodies and organizations relating to fertilizer sales and marketing, as there would be rules guiding them.
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Partners and Target
Find suppliers you can partner with and at the same time look for farmers and research into the type of fertilizers that best suit their farmland. Search for and negotiate with major suppliers. These actions can be quickly be done online, and www.nairaagro.com is the perfect place to start.
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Packaging
The average usage of fertilizer is 200kg/ha. Granulated and powdered fertilizers are mostly packaged in kilograms. However, liquid fertilizers are packaged in litres. Types of material used to package.
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Equipment
There will be a requirement for equipment. This might range from scales to office equipment. Transportation of fertilizers to and fro the required destination is also important.
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Goods Advert/ Marketing
It is essential to advertise your goods to increase sales. With globalization, many turn to information technology to aid their sales of products and services. It gives a broader range of target audience and market base, thereby increasing sales. It even allows sellers to move their products globally. We would suggest using www.nairaagro.com as a platform to advertise your fertilizer. NairaAgro boast of its exclusiveness to only agricultural products and services. It will be more comfortable and faster to see farmers and individuals in need of fertilizers on the platform.
Conclusion
Fertilizer has played an essential role in the development of agriculture and the nation's feeding. Unsurprisingly, the government is making conscious efforts to improve the country's production and quality of fertilizers. Many investors have ventured into fertilizers' production and sales because they have realized that as technology improves, the feeding of humans, animals, and plant continues to be essential; and since plants are a great source of nutrition, there will always be an insatiable want for fertilizers for plant growth.
For questions and inquiries, please mail us at blog@nairaagro.com
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