Guide On How To Apply Your Self-Produced Fertilizer On Your Farms/Crops

(Second And Final Episode)

Dear Valued Farmer,

Welcome back. In our first episode, we walked you through the simple, cost-free process of turning yam peels—that everyday waste material—into a powerful, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. We explored two proven methods: the quick Liquid Yam Peel Tea and the long-lasting Dry Yam Peel Powder.

Now that you have successfully produced your fertilizer, the most critical question arises: How do you apply it correctly to get the best results?

This is where many farmers make costly mistakes. You can have the best fertilizer in the world, but if you apply it the wrong way, it will not help your crops—it might even harm them. This final guide is dedicated to teaching you the professional, field-tested techniques for applying your homemade yam peel fertilizer. We will cover the right quantities, the right timing, the right placement, and—most importantly—the common errors you must avoid at all costs.

Part One: Applying The Liquid Yam Peel Tea (Foliar & Root Application)

The liquid fertilizer you produced through fermentation is highly concentrated with water-soluble nutrients. Because it is liquid, plants can absorb it very quickly. However, its strength is also its danger. Applied incorrectly, it can burn your crops.

Step 1: The Golden Rule – Dilution

Never, under any circumstance, apply the fermented liquid directly to your crops. It is too acidic and too concentrated.

The Correct Ratio: Mix 1 liter of your yam peel tea with 10 liters of clean water(rainwater or borehole water is best).
How to Mix: Pour the tea into a watering can or sprayer, add the water, and shake thoroughly. The mixture should look like weak, brownish tea.

Step 2: Application Methods

You have two options for applying this liquid:

Method A: Soil Drenching (Root Feeding)

This is the most common and safest method.

When to Apply: Apply early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late in the evening (after 4:00 PM) to prevent the sun from evaporating the liquid too quickly.
How to Apply: Pour the diluted mixture directly onto the soil around the base of your crops.
The "Ring" Technique: Create a shallow circular trench or a ring about 5 to 10 centimeters away from the plant stem. Pour the liquid into this ring. Do not pour it directly at the stem. This encourages the roots to spread outward in search of food, making the plant stronger and more resilient.
Quantity Per Plant:
For vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, spinach): 1 to 2 liters per plant.
For root crops (cassava, potatoes): 2 to 3 liters per plant.
For cereals (maize, rice): 1 liter per plant, applied in a ring around the base.

Method B: Foliar Spray (Leaf Feeding)

This method allows the plant to absorb nutrients directly through its leaves, giving it an instant boost.

Important: You must strain the liquid extra carefully to remove all solid particles, as they can clog your sprayer nozzle.
Dilution: For foliar application, dilute the tea further—mix 1 liter of tea with 15 liters of water to be safe.
When to Spray: Spray on a cloudy day or very early in the morning. Spray both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, as the stomata (pores) underneath absorb nutrients best.
Frequency: Apply foliar sprays once every two weeks, not weekly, to avoid overfeeding.

Part Two: Applying The Dry Yam Peel Powder Fertilizer

The dry powder is a slow-release fertilizer. It does not dissolve immediately; instead, it breaks down over time, feeding the soil and improving its structure. Because it is dry, the risk of "burning" your crops is lower than with the liquid, but it is still possible if you apply it incorrectly.

Step 1: Direct Soil Incorporation

Best Time: Apply the powder before planting or during the early stages of plant growth.
How to Apply:

Sprinkle the powder evenly over the soil surface in a ring around each plant.
The Crucial Step: Gently work the powder into the top 5 to 8 centimeters of the soil using a hand trowel or hoe. Do not bury it too deep, as it needs oxygen to decompose properly.
After incorporating the powder, water the area lightly to help the nutrients begin leaching down to the root zone.

Quantity Per Plant: A handful (about 50 to 100 grams) per plant is sufficient. For maize or cassava, you can apply up to 100 grams per stand.

Step 2: The Mulching Method

How to Apply: After applying the powder around the plant, cover it with a thin layer (about 3 cm) of dry grass, straw, or dead leaves.
Why This is Effective: The mulch acts as a blanket. It protects the powder from being washed away by heavy rain, prevents the sun from drying it out, and creates a perfect, humid environment for earthworms and beneficial microbes to break the powder down into nutrients your crops can use.

Part Three: Common Application Mistakes That Harm Your Farm (And How To Avoid Them)

This section is the most important. Many farmers work hard to produce organic fertilizer, only to lose their crops due to wrong application methods. Please study these mistakes carefully.

❌ Mistake #1: Applying Fertilizer Too Close to the Stem or Trunk

The Problem: This is called "burning the collar" or "stem burn." When concentrated nutrients are placed directly at the base, they burn the delicate bark and tissues of the plant. This opens the door for fungal and bacterial infections and can kill the plant.
The Solution: Always maintain a distance of 5 to 10 centimeters (about a hand's width) between the fertilizer and the plant stem.

❌ Mistake #2: Over-Application (Using Too Much)

The Problem: More fertilizer does not mean more yield. It leads to "fertilizer burn," where the roots are unable to take up water because the salt concentration in the soil becomes too high. The plant will wilt, its leaves will turn yellow, and it will eventually die.
The Solution: Stick to the recommended quantities. One handful per plant is enough for powder. For liquid, always dilute at 1:10.

❌ Mistake #3: Applying Undiluted Liquid Fertilizer

The Problem: The fermented liquid contains organic acids and high levels of ammonia. Applying it raw will scorch the roots and foliage within hours, causing irreversible damage.
The Solution: Follow the dilution rule strictly. Dilution is not optional—it is mandatory.

❌ Mistake #4: Applying During the Hottest Part of the Day

The Problem: When you apply liquid fertilizer under a hot sun (between 11 AM and 3 PM), the water evaporates quickly, leaving highly concentrated salts on the soil surface and leaves. This burns the plant tissue.
The Solution: Apply only in the early morning or late evening.

❌ Mistake #5: Inconsistent Application

The Problem: Only applying fertilizer once and expecting it to last the entire season. Liquid fertilizer is fast-acting but does not stay in the soil for long, while dry powder is slow-release.
The Solution: Combine both methods. Use the powder before planting for long-term feeding, and supplement with the liquid tea every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season to keep your crops thriving.

❌ Mistake #6: Applying to Dry Soil

The Problem: Applying fertilizer to bone-dry soil means the nutrients cannot dissolve and move to the roots. It just sits there, useless to the plant.
The Solution: Always apply your fertilizer to moist soil. Either apply it immediately after a light rainfall, or water your farm one day before application. For the liquid tea, ensure the soil is already slightly damp before you pour.

Summary: Application Schedule At A Glance

Fertilizer Type	Best Time to Apply	Application Method	Quantity	Frequency
Dry Powder	Before planting or early growth	Mix into top 5-8 cm of soil in a ring	One handful (50-100g) per plant	Once at planting, reapply 6 weeks later for long-season crops
Liquid Tea	Early morning or late evening	Pour into ring around plant base (do not spray on leaves unless diluted 1:15)	1-3 liters per plant after dilution	Every 2-3 weeks during the growing season

Conclusion

Fellow farmer, the goal of this two-episode guide has been to show you that you do not need to depend entirely on expensive synthetic fertilizers to get a bountiful harvest. The yam peels you have been discarding are your ticket to a healthier, more productive farm—at zero cost.

But remember: the fertilizer is only as good as the method of application. You have the power to make your crops flourish, but that power comes with the responsibility to apply these nutrients with care, precision, and wisdom.

Avoid the mistakes we have outlined. Stick to the recommended distances, dilutions, and timings. Your crops will reward you with robust growth, resistance to disease, and a harvest that will make your neighbors ask for your secret. Your farm is your wealth—nurture it wisely.

Happy farming, and may your fields always be green and productive!