Don’t Let Your Yam Struggle: Learn How to Fertilize Yam with Proven Fertilization Blueprint for Beginners

Proper yam fertilization can significantly improve crop health and boost your yield. This simple, step-by-step guide—based on recommendations from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)—will help you apply fertilizers effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Why Proper Fertilization Matters

Yam is a nutrient-demanding crop. Without adequate nutrients, you may see yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and low yields. This guide will walk you through when, how, and how much fertilizer to apply for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fertilizing Yam

Yam requires a high nutrient supply. You will need approximately 250 kg of Urea fertilizer per hectare (5 bags of 50 kg each).
This application will provide 128 kg of Nitrogen, 17 kg of Phosphorus, and 162 kg of Potassium to support yam growth.
While fertilizer can be applied all at once, it is strongly recommended to split the application into two phases for better results.

First Application – 1 Month After Emergence

At approximately one month after yam shoots emerge, apply 150 kg of Urea fertilizer per hectare (three 50 kg bags) or 15 g per plant.
Apply the fertilizer in a circular band about 10 cm away from the base of each yam plant.
This prevents fertilizer burn on young shoots and ensures roots can access nutrients as they grow.

Second Application – 2 Months After the First Application

Apply the remaining fertilizer at 100 kg per hectare or 10 g per plant, two months after the first application.
Apply it in a circular band 10 cm away from the base of each yam plant.

Other Key Considerations

Timing Is Key – fertilize when rainfall is consistent—this helps dissolve the fertilizer and improves absorption by the plants.

Soil Analysis – Performing soil testing before fertilization is recommended to determine the specific nutrient needs of your field, reducing waste and saving costs.

By following these fertilization steps, you can maximize your yam yield and ensure healthy plant growth. Proper timing, soil testing, and split applications will help prevent common fertilization mistakes and boost productivity.