Fertilizer in Nigeria: NPK, Urea, SSP and DAP Explained

Crops need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in large amounts. The common fertilizers supply these in different combinations, so they are not interchangeable. Buying the wrong product wastes money. Input costs affect food prices, as our report on what food costs in Nigeria shows.

Urea is mainly nitrogen and is usually labelled 46-0-0. It cannot supply phosphorus or potassium. Farmers use it to boost leaf and stem growth, often as a top dressing weeks after planting. Urea is often combined with a compound fertilizer.

DAP, or diammonium phosphate, supplies nitrogen and phosphate. It is commonly 18-46-0, so it has no potassium. Phosphorus supports roots, flowering and fruiting. Therefore, DAP suits crops that need a strong start.

Single superphosphate, or SSP, is mainly a phosphorus source. It also supplies calcium and sulphur, often more than most crops need. Nigerian recommendations use SSP in some zones, together with potash and urea.

NPK 15-15-15 contains equal declared amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash. However, the label describes nutrient strength, not how much to apply. A label such as 15-15-15 or 12-32-16 tells you concentration, not the rate for your field.

Be careful with one blend alone. Nigeria’s agriculture minister said in 2016 that 15-15-15 did no good for the country’s soils. That was a policy position at the time, and we found no current ruling in our research. Ask your extension office what it recommends now.

A study of maize in the Middle Belt notes that farmers commonly apply blended NPK 15:15:15 at 300 kg per hectare and urea at 100 kg per hectare. The NPK gives base nutrients, and urea adds nitrogen later. An AGRA report lists other mixes for savanna zones, for example 333 kg of SSP, 50 kg of potash and 260 kg of urea per hectare for the Sahel and Northern Guinea Savannah. These are examples, not rules for your field.

A soil test shows which nutrient is actually short. Potassium, for example, is often missed, because only NPK and potash supply it among these products. Therefore, a test can save money. If you cannot afford one, ask your extension office what other farmers on similar soil apply.

If you need more leaf and stem growth, nitrogen from urea is the usual choice. If you need stronger roots and flowering, phosphorus from SSP or DAP helps. For a balanced start on a general field, NPK provides all three. However, none of these replaces advice for your crop and soil.

Remember that fertilizer works best with good farming. Healthy seed, correct spacing, early weeding and enough water all matter. Without them, even the right bag gives poor results. Likewise, plant on time, because late planting wastes nutrients.

Place fertilizer near the plant, not on the leaves, and avoid dry soil. Split nitrogen into two doses where recommended, so less washes away. Store bags dry and away from children. Wear gloves, and wash your hands after use.

Keep records of what you apply and what you harvest. Over two or three seasons, those notes show which dose paid and which did not. That evidence is more useful than any general advice, because it comes from your own land.

Compare quotes from several dealers, buy certified products and avoid fakes. Consider organic options. Our guide to organic fertilizer in Nigeria explains manure rates from Nigerian trials. If you need credit for inputs, read our guide to agricultural loans in Nigeria.

Match fertilizer to the crop. Our crop guides give specific advice, including those on maize farming, rice farming and cassava farming. To see the national picture, read our report on Nigeria’s agricultural trade deficit.

For deeper reading, see the AGRA report on fertilizer distribution and blends in Nigeria and the study on split fertilizer application for maize in the Middle Belt. This article is general information, so confirm rates with your extension office.

Urea supplies nitrogen, usually 46 per cent, and farmers use it to boost leaf and stem growth.

It contains equal declared amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash, but the label does not tell you how much to apply.

DAP supplies nitrogen and phosphate, while SSP is mainly phosphorus with some calcium and sulphur.

A soil test is the best guide to which nutrient your land lacks, so it can prevent wasted spending.

Many Nigerian farmers use both, with NPK as a base and urea as a later top dressing.

Access to quality inputs at reasonable prices remains one of the most persistent challenges for smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The federal and state governments have at various times introduced subsidy programmes for fertilizer and improved seeds, but distribution bottlenecks and diversion have often limited the impact of these programmes on those most in need. Farmers are advised to stay informed about official input distribution programmes in their states, verify the authenticity of purchased inputs through authorised channels, and explore organic and integrated approaches that reduce dependence on expensive imported inputs. Agricultural research institutions including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture maintain field offices in several Nigerian states and offer resources that can help farmers make better-informed decisions about input use and crop management practices.

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Theodora Cosmas is a journalist and media analyst covering northern regional affairs for The Gazette News Nigeria. She holds a degree in mass communication from… Read full bio →

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