Choosing the best fertilizer for top dressing maize in Kenya can make a massive difference in your overall yield and grain quality. Farmers across Kenya face challenges such as unpredictable rainfall, declining soil fertility, and rising fertilizer costs. Therefore, understanding which fertilizer works best for maize top dressing helps you increase productivity, improve plant vigor, and ensure a healthy harvest.
In Kenya, maize farming remains one of the most profitable agricultural activities, especially in counties like Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, and Nakuru. Using the right top dressing fertilizer at the correct stage of growth enhances nitrogen absorption, which is critical for strong stalk development and kernel filling. Statistics from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) show that correct fertilizer use can boost maize yields by up to 40% per acre.
This comprehensive guide reviews the 10 best fertilizers for top dressing maize in Kenya, analyzing their benefits, effectiveness, and local availability. Each product review includes three concise sections, with bold and italic emphasis for clarity, and a list of seven pros and three cons to help you make the best decision.
10 Best Fertilizer For Top Dressing Maize In Kenya
1. YaraMila Cereal – Best for Balanced Nutrition
YaraMila Cereal is one of the most reliable fertilizers for maize farmers in Kenya seeking a balanced nutrient blend. It contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a perfectly proportioned ratio for promoting vigorous maize growth. The balanced formulation ensures that the maize plants receive all essential nutrients needed for both vegetative and reproductive stages.
Farmers prefer YaraMila Cereal because of its fast nutrient release and high solubility, which ensures immediate availability to plants. It is also designed for Kenya’s varied soil conditions, especially in medium to high rainfall zones. When applied during the top dressing stage, it strengthens maize stems and supports consistent grain filling.
Applying YaraMila Cereal at the knee-high stage leads to visible greening within days. Its even granule size allows uniform distribution across the field, reducing wastage and ensuring maximum efficiency. Many Kenyan farmers report increased yields of up to 25% when using this fertilizer correctly.
Pros:
• Quick results
• Uniform granules
• High solubility
• Boosts yield
• Easy to apply
• Improves stalk strength
• Enhances leaf greenness
Cons:
• Expensive
• Needs rainfall
• Not organic
2. CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) – Best for Nitrogen Boost
CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) is a classic top dressing fertilizer trusted by maize farmers across Kenya for decades. It contains 26% nitrogen, making it ideal for boosting vegetative growth and ensuring greener, healthier plants. The calcium content also improves soil structure and reduces soil acidity, which benefits long-term maize farming.
Kenyan farmers favor CAN because it provides a steady nitrogen release, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching during heavy rains. It’s particularly effective in regions such as Rift Valley and Western Kenya, where maize requires consistent nutrition to thrive. The granular form allows easy mechanical or manual application across large farms.
Regular use of CAN in maize farming increases chlorophyll formation, enabling more efficient photosynthesis and stronger root systems. Studies indicate that applying CAN fertilizer can improve maize yields by up to 30% per acre when used correctly.
Pros:
• Improves soil pH
• Boosts chlorophyll
• Long-lasting results
• Enhances growth
• Affordable
• Easy to spread
• Increases yield
Cons:
• Leaches easily
• Needs moisture
• Can burn leaves
3. YaraBela Sulfan – Best for Sulphur-Enriched Nitrogen Feeding
YaraBela Sulfan is a premium fertilizer designed for maize farmers seeking both nitrogen and sulphur supplementation. It contains 24% nitrogen and 6% sulphur, essential for protein synthesis and chlorophyll production. The dual nutrients help maize plants develop deep green foliage and strong stems, crucial for high yields.
This fertilizer is ideal for Kenyan soils that have become sulphur-deficient due to continuous cropping. The sulphur content enhances the uptake of nitrogen, ensuring efficient nutrient use and stronger grain filling. Farmers report that YaraBela Sulfan performs exceptionally well in regions with medium rainfall like Kericho and Nyandarua.
The product’s even granule distribution ensures accurate top dressing, reducing fertilizer wastage. Its fast-acting nitrogen helps maize recover quickly from stress, particularly after dry spells. By applying YaraBela Sulfan during the top dressing stage, farmers can achieve optimal results with reduced nutrient loss.
Pros:
• Dual nutrients
• Improves protein
• Enhances greenness
• Reduces nutrient loss
• Strengthens stems
• Improves grain size
• Reliable brand
Cons:
• Costly
• Requires timing
• Limited availability
4. Mavuno Top Dressing – Best for All-Round Growth
Mavuno Top Dressing fertilizer is specifically formulated for maize and other cereal crops grown under Kenyan conditions. It contains a balanced mix of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur for promoting both leaf and root development. The fertilizer works well in acidic and moderately fertile soils, making it a versatile choice for many Kenyan farmers.
Unlike ordinary fertilizers, Mavuno is enriched with secondary nutrients that improve soil health over time. The product is granulated for uniform spreading and slow nutrient release, ensuring consistent feeding throughout the maize growth cycle. Its balanced formulation enhances plant vigor, leading to better resistance to drought and pests.
Farmers in regions such as Embu, Meru, and Kisii find Mavuno particularly effective due to its ability to maintain greenness even in dry spells. It also supports higher cob formation and grain filling, improving yield and quality. With consistent use, Mavuno can improve long-term soil fertility.
Pros:
• Multi-nutrient blend
• Boosts soil health
• Prolonged feeding
• Easy to apply
• Reduces stress
• Improves yield
• Locally available
Cons:
• Not organic
• May need mixing
• Cost slightly high
5. DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) – Best for Root Strengthening
DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) is a powerful fertilizer used in both planting and top dressing stages for maize in Kenya. It contains 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus, essential for root development and energy transfer in plants. This ensures that maize plants establish strong root systems capable of supporting high yields.
Though DAP is often used during planting, many Kenyan farmers apply it for top dressing in phosphorus-deficient soils. The nitrogen helps sustain foliage growth, while phosphorus strengthens root anchorage and grain maturity. It’s especially effective in low fertility areas like Makueni and Kitui, where soils need nutrient replenishment.
DAP’s quick solubility ensures nutrients are available almost immediately after application. However, overuse can lead to soil acidity, so balanced use is recommended. When applied correctly, DAP increases yield potential and improves cob uniformity.
Pros:
• High phosphorus
• Boosts roots
• Quick results
• Enhances vigor
• Improves yield
• Long-lasting
• Easy to mix
Cons:
• Acidifies soil
• Costly
• Needs supervision
6. YaraLiva Nitrabor – Best for Calcium and Boron Supply
YaraLiva Nitrabor offers a dual benefit for maize farmers by supplying both calcium and boron alongside nitrate nitrogen. This makes it one of the most comprehensive fertilizers for improving maize strength and cob filling. Calcium enhances cell wall formation, while boron supports pollination and grain setting.
Kenyan farmers in high rainfall areas appreciate YaraLiva’s fast nutrient uptake, especially during the maize tasseling stage. Its nitrate form provides instant nitrogen availability without causing soil acidity. The product also improves overall plant resistance to disease and environmental stress.
YaraLiva is ideal for farmers seeking better cob uniformity and grain density. When applied as top dressing, it significantly increases maize kernel size and reduces stalk breakage. The result is healthier, stronger, and more productive maize plants.
Pros:
• Dual elements
• Fast absorption
• Prevents acidity
• Boosts pollination
• Enhances quality
• Improves strength
• Reliable yield
Cons:
• Expensive
• Needs timing
• Limited supply
7. UREA – Best for Rapid Nitrogen Boost
UREA fertilizer is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer for top dressing maize in Kenya due to its affordability and high nitrogen content (46%). It promotes vigorous vegetative growth, enhances leaf development, and boosts chlorophyll formation. However, proper application timing is essential to avoid nitrogen loss through volatilization.
Kenyan farmers commonly use UREA during the second top dressing stage, about 4–5 weeks after germination. It ensures greener, taller, and more robust maize plants capable of supporting heavy cobs. UREA performs best when applied just before rainfall or lightly incorporated into the soil.
Its high concentration makes it very effective for boosting yields when used correctly. However, excessive use can lead to burning or nitrogen wastage. Controlled application gives excellent results in both highlands and lowlands.
Pros:
• High nitrogen
• Affordable
• Quick greening
• Widely available
• Increases yield
• Improves growth
• Effective booster
Cons:
• Burns easily
• Volatile
• Short duration
8. NPK 26:0:10 – Best for Growth and Yield Balance
NPK 26:0:10 fertilizer provides a balanced nutrient supply for maize top dressing, with nitrogen and potassium as the main elements. Nitrogen supports leaf growth, while potassium strengthens stems and improves drought resistance. This combination promotes healthy development and strong yield potential.
In Kenya, NPK 26:0:10 is particularly effective in semi-arid regions where soils lack potassium. Its granular form ensures even distribution and minimal loss. Regular use enhances maize color, grain size, and cob uniformity.
Farmers report that NPK 26:0:10 improves both plant health and final harvest weight by up to 20%. It is ideal for sustainable farming systems and can be combined with organic matter for even better results.
Pros:
• Balanced nutrients
• Easy to spread
• Boosts resilience
• Strengthens stalks
• Improves yield
• Reduces stress
• Long-lasting
Cons:
• Pricey
• Needs timing
• Limited stock
9. Elf Phosphate Plus – Best for Phosphorus-Enriched Growth
Elf Phosphate Plus is formulated to provide phosphorus and nitrogen for better root and grain development in maize. Its high phosphorus content promotes energy transfer within the plant, leading to faster maturity and improved cob filling. This fertilizer is ideal for nutrient-depleted soils in Kenya’s maize belts.
Farmers appreciate Elf Phosphate Plus for its quick absorption and visible growth results within weeks. The fertilizer helps in stabilizing plant structure, improving resistance to lodging and environmental stress. It’s also easy to apply manually or mechanically on both small and large-scale farms.
The formula ensures consistent nutrition even during dry periods. It’s best used during the first top dressing phase to complement planting fertilizers like DAP or NPK.
Pros:
• High phosphorus
• Quick results
• Strengthens roots
• Boosts maturity
• Improves yield
• Easy to use
• Enhances vigor
Cons:
• Costly
• Needs rain
• Limited access
10. YaraMila Winner – Best Premium Fertilizer for Maize
YaraMila Winner is a premium compound fertilizer developed to deliver multiple nutrients for maize in a single application. It combines nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for maximum crop performance. Farmers in Kenya recognize it for its efficiency and visible yield improvement.
It works exceptionally well for maize top dressing because it provides a steady nutrient release throughout the growth period. YaraMila Winner is suitable for all soil types, especially where nutrient imbalance limits maize productivity. Its superior granule quality ensures uniform coverage and minimal wastage.
Farmers using YaraMila Winner often experience increased cob size, improved grain uniformity, and stronger root systems. It is recommended by many agronomists as a high-performance fertilizer for commercial maize production in Kenya.
Pros:
• Complete nutrients
• Reliable results
• Long-lasting feeding
• Increases yield
• Strengthens plants
• Easy application
• Improves soil fertility
Cons:
• Expensive
• Limited supply
• Requires guidance
Best Fertilizer For Top Dressing Maize In Kenya (FAQs)
1. When is the best time to top dress maize in Kenya?
The best time to top dress maize is 3–5 weeks after planting, when the maize is knee-high. This ensures efficient nitrogen absorption and optimal plant development.
2. How often should top dressing be done?
Most farmers perform two top dressing sessions — the first at knee height and the second before tasseling for maximum grain yield.
3. Can organic fertilizers replace synthetic top dressings?
Organic fertilizers like compost or manure can supplement, but not fully replace, synthetic fertilizers because they release nutrients slowly.
4. What happens if top dressing is delayed?
Delayed top dressing results in stunted growth, poor greenness, and lower yields, especially in nitrogen-deficient soils.
5. Which fertilizer gives the fastest results?
UREA and CAN offer the quickest visible greening due to their high nitrogen content.
6. Can I mix fertilizers during top dressing?
Mixing is possible but must be done carefully; improper combinations can lead to nutrient lockout or crop burns.
7. What is the average fertilizer cost per acre in Kenya?
On average, farmers spend between KSh 3,000 and KSh 6,000 per acre for effective top dressing depending on fertilizer type and soil fertility.
Conclusion
Choosing the best fertilizer for top dressing maize in Kenya directly impacts your yield, profitability, and soil health. With options such as YaraMila Cereal, CAN, UREA, and Mavuno, farmers can select products tailored to their soil type, rainfall, and crop stage.
To maximize results, always apply fertilizers at the correct time and follow soil testing recommendations. Proper management ensures your maize plants receive sufficient nutrients for optimal growth.
Investing in the right fertilizer means investing in your farm’s future productivity. Kenya’s maize sector remains one of the most promising agricultural ventures. Start today — boost your yield and secure a profitable maize harvest season!