How To Apply Npk Fertilizer To Yam & Application Rate

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are macronutrients yam needs to grow and they are usually supplied to yam when NPK fertilizers are applied. These nutrients improve the growth rate of yam by increasing the vegetative and foliage growth, strengthening the stem, and hastening root development.

NPK fertilizers are available in different formulations; some are balanced, containing an equal proportion of each nutrient like NPK 10-10-10 which contains 10 percent of all the nutrients, and NPK 16-4-8 contains 16 percent Nitrogen, 4 percent phosphorus, and 8 percent potassium.

Depending on the nutrient profile of the soil you are planting yam on, you can supply the desired proportion of NPK fertilizer to prevent an excessive supply of nutrients to the soil. In this article, we’ll go over the use of NPK fertilizer for yam, its application rate, as well as other types of fertilizer you can use for the yam plants.

Yam NPK Fertilizer Requirement and Application Rate

If you want your yams to grow big and strong, you’ll need to give them the right fertilizer. The best NPK fertilizer for yam is NPK 20:10:10. Yam plants require an NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer at an application rate of 400kg/ha. Some growers love to combine NPK fertilizers and organic fertilizers like horse manure for better yam yield. This fertilizer combination is a sustainable way to ensure the yam gets nutrients always.

NPK fertilizers are known for their ability to increase production by as much as 30%; this is why they are the most popular choice for gardeners. NPK fertilizers are synthetically formulated in the laboratory, they are not organic fertilizers like manure or compost. NPK fertilizers release nutrients into the soil very fast and are available for the yam plant roots to take up and use.

The nutrients available in NPK fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth; phosphorus encourages root development; potassium helps with flowering, stem growth, and disease resistance. All three of these nutrients are essential to a yam’s health and development.

Unlike organic fertilizers, NPK fertilizers do not help to build the soil structure for better nutrient and other resource movement, they do not have any beneficial effects on the soil microorganisms. They simply supply the required nutrients for the yam plant to utilize. The advantage of using NPK fertilizer is, that it can be applied on any type of soil and the yam will grow as desired.

Worthy of mentioning is that, excessive application of NPK fertilizers can leach into the underground water body and pollute the water system, this is why it is usually recommended to follow the dosage provided in the label to avoid misuse.

List of Commercial NPK Fertilizers For Yam

There are several commercial NPK fertilizers you can buy for the growth and development of your yam plant. The brands may differ but the composition of nutrients is the same as seen on their label. Here are the top commercial NPK fertilizers you should consider for your yam cultivation.

Expert Gardener 10-10-10 All Purpose Fertilizer (1, 40LB)

Price : $99.04

Features :

• Contain Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus in the right quantity.
• Great for Yam plant

The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer with Micronutrients and 2% Iron (5,000 sq ft)

Price : $52.88 ($0.15 / Ounce)

Features :

• PGF Balanced 10-10-10 is a professional-grade fertilizer with extremely fine particle size ensuring every square inch of your lawn/garden receives the same amount of nutrients
• Can be used any time during the growing season but is ideal for spring and fall applications on lawns, gardens, and flower beds
• Contains all quick-release nitrogen to provide the plant with immediate nutrition
• Includes micronutrients and 2% iron for extra-deep greening – Blow off sidewalks and driveways after application to avoid staining
• Each bag provides up to 5,000 square feet of coverage
• Not for sale in CA

J R Peters 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer

Price : $32.45

Features :

• All indoor and outdoor plants, trees, vegetable,s and surf
• It feeds both through the roots and the leaves. This formula of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium provides fast green-up and rapid leaf expansion
• Indoors it is especially effective on foliage plants, keeping leaves green. A proven performer in the vegetable garden for generations

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lb.

Price : $35.89 ($0.27 / Ounce)

Features :

• Osmocote is the original slow-release plant food highly effective for yams.
• It contains 15-9-12 NPK plus micro and secondary nutrients and feeds up to 6 full months.
• Package includes a fertilizer injector. In containers, mix 1 pound with 19 gallons of potting soil.
• Osmocote does not ‘burn’ the plant even if over-applied more than the recommended rate

Method of Applying NPK Fertilizer To Yam

There are several ways to apply NPK fertilizer to yam. NPK Fertilizers can be applied to Yam either by band placement, broadcasting, or Topdressing.

1. Band Placement

Band placement usually involves applying fertilizer in bands next to the row of plants. This method is used for small areas or when plants are spaced far apart. The fertilizer is placed in bands about 2 inches wide. The width of the band will vary depending on the type of crop being grown and the type of fertilizer being used.

2. Broadcasting

Broadcasting involves applying fertilizer over a large area with a spreader or broadcast spreader. The number of pounds per acre varies depending on what you are fertilizing and how much yield you want to get from your crop. You should broadcast half of your fertilizer after planting, then broadcast the rest when the plants reach half their mature size.

3. Topdressing

Topdressing is the method of applying NPK fertilizer on the soil surface. It involves spreading the fertilizer on top of the soil and then raking it into the top several inches of soil. This method is ideal for young plants since it ensures that the nutrients are readily available to the plant.

The first step in the topdressing method is to prepare the soil well ahead of time. The soil should be loosened and leveled by tilling or plowing it. It should also be free of weeds and roots, which can compete with your plants for nutrients and water.

When To Apply NPK Fertilizer To Yam

The best time to apply fertilizers to yam is in the early spring when the yam is actively growing. Factors to consider are the type and age of your yam plant, the kind of fertilizer you’re using, and whether or not your soil has been depleted of nutrients by previous crops. You can also apply it in the late stages of growth.

The NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer is best for yam at 8 weeks after planting for best results. This will help the yam get a strong start and boost the growth of the yam’s vegetative parts. You can also apply it during the summer months if you see signs of disease or if you’re just looking to give your yams an extra boost.

Benefits of Applying NPK Fertilizer To Yam

We all know that NPK fertilizer is the best way to make sure your yams get the nutrients they need, but did you know that there are some other benefits that come with applying this type of fertilizer to your yam plants?

The benefits of applying NPK fertilizer include:

• An increase in yield
• Improved growth rates
• Reduced pest damage during flowering stages
• Increased resistance to disease and insects like mites (which can cause leaf curl)
• Better coloration of leaves due to chlorophyll production which means more photosynthesis taking place inside the plant

Other Fertilizers For Yam

Aside from the NPK fertilizers, You can also use the following fertilizers for yam:

1) Azomite

Azomite is a natural mineral fertilizer with a wide range of nutrients, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. It also contains trace minerals such as zinc, manganese, and copper. It can be applied to yams before planting or as a top dressing after planting.

2) Blood Meal

Blood meal is high in nitrogen and can be used on yams at any growth stage, but should not be used in early spring or fall when temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

3) Bone Meal

Bone meal is another good option for yams because it provides phosphorous and calcium, two nutrients that are essential for proper growth and development in plants.

4) Cottonseed Meal

Cottonseed meal is high in nitrogen and phosphorus and can be used on yams at any growth stage, but should not be used in early spring or fall when temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

5) Fish emulsion

Fish emulsion is another organic fertilizer that helps provide nutrients to your yam plants. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium so it’s perfect for helping to keep your plants healthy.

6) Manure

Animal manure contains not only N, P, and K but also other micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and boron that are important for plant growth. It’s important not just to consider how much manure you’re adding but also where it came from. Manure from herbivores like cattle and horses contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, while

In summary, NPK fertilizers contain the macronutrients yam needs to grow well. Many yam gardeners have been using NPK fertilizers in their gardens as it has been proven to showcase fast results as seen in the sizes of the harvested yam tubers. When applying NPK fertilizers, ensure you apply using any of the recommended application methods for best results.