Windmill Private limited has launched a range of high performance fertilizers with the sub brand names “C Xtra” and “D xtra” respectively. In this article, we focus on compound “C extra”. Keen emphasis is on its composition, its uses, advantages of using it and places of availability.
Compound C Xtra is a new and improved granular inorganic compound fertilizer courtesy of your leading fertilizer producer, Windmill (Pvt) Ltd, Zimbabwe. Compound C Xtra has the following NPK composition (5:15:12 11S 0.1B). In addition, it contains Calcium (6% Ca) and Magnesium (3% Mg), nutrients that are required by crop plants in large quantities for good growth and high yields. The raw materials from which these nutrients (Ca and Mg) are derived also have a liming effect which should be useful in neutralizing acidic soils. But farmers should note that compound C Xtra does not replace lime and, therefore, should still have their soils tested for pH and apply the appropriate lime where recommended.
Compound C Xtra is essentially a basal fertilizer similar to compound C (5:15:12 11S 0.1B) that most farmers are familiar with. It, therefore, can be applied to tobacco, soyabean, and groundnuts, and many horticultural crops (vegetables, onion, paprika, peas, pumpkin, watermelon, sweet potato, flowers etc.) at the same rates. The rates of application will depend on soil analysis.
Because Compound C Xtra is a basal fertilizer, it must be applied prior to or at planting to allow the crop to develop its vegetative framework (roots, stems, leaves). The fertilizer can be broadcast, banded, or spot-applied just as in the case of compound C (5::15:12). In all cases, nitrogen topdressings with ammonium nitrate (34.5% N) will still be necessary for flowering and yield development.
The great news is that prices for compound C (5:15:12) and compound C Xtra are the same. But compound C Xtra comes with EXTRA – Calcium and EXTRA – Magnesium which are both beneficial for crop growth, quality and yield. And indeed EXTRA – “Cash” as the extra liming materials come for free. Field trials on tobacco across the country during the 2013/14 season confirmed these yield and quality benefits that translated into better grades, higher prices and returns at the auction floors.
Compound C Extra is available at all Windmill depots namely in Harare Coventry road, Mbuya Nehanda, St Marnocks, Mbuya Nehanda and also Marondera, Mutare, Rusape, Banket, Karoi and Mvurwi. Fore the exact locations please do not hesitate to visit our website (www.windmill.co.zw)
Compound “C Xtra” is available for an affordable price of $35 dollars on for a 50kg bag. This is certainly a good bargain considering the fusion of essential main and micro elements.
Please get in touch with your Windmill Agronomist should you require more information on the following numbers:
Windmill Head Office – 0772 102 017/20
Mr V. Chaibva – 0772 219 630
Mr J. Maguta – 0772 169 481
Mr K. Bhephe – 0772 169 483
Mrs L. Muchena – 0772 169 485
Mr C. Mutasa – 0772 169 482
Mr L. Sibanda – 0772 169 484
By Dr L.T Gono and Tawanda Mthintwa-k Hove.