Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer supplying essential nitrogen and phosphorus for crop growth in East Africa.
DAP 18:46:0 Fertilizer functions primarily as a fast-release nutrient source, delivering vital nitrogen and phosphorus essential to crop development.
Packaging
25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200kg drums
Supply Region
Kenya, East Africa
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
DAP 18:46:0 Fertilizer functions primarily as a fast-release nutrient source, delivering vital nitrogen and phosphorus essential to crop development. Its high phosphorus content promotes robust root establishment and early vigor, while the nitrogen supports vegetative growth. This combination makes DAP a foundational fertilizer in agricultural production systems.
Chemically known as Diammonium Phosphate with the formula (NH4)2HPO4, DAP appears as a white crystalline solid highly soluble in water, ensuring quick nutrient availability upon soil application. It is widely adopted in the agricultural sectors of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring East African countries where staple crops such as maize, wheat, and coffee rely heavily on balanced phosphorus and nitrogen supplementation.
Zenco Systems Ltd supplies DAP 18:46:0 across the region, supporting commercial farmers and agribusinesses with reliable delivery and quality assurance. The fertilizer is vital for improving soil fertility profiles in tropical soils common to East Africa, directly influencing crop yields and food security in these agricultural economies.
DAP 18:46:0 Fertilizer is composed of diammonium phosphate, providing 18% nitrogen and 46% water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), the highest immediately available phosphate concentration among solid fertilizers. The nitrogen in DAP is present as ammonium ions (NH4+), which are stabilized in neutral to alkaline soils, reducing volatilization losses compared to urea. Phosphorus, in the form of HPO4²⁻ ions, is critical for energy transfer within plants, root development, and early growth stages.
Upon soil application, the water solubility of DAP ensures rapid dissolution, releasing ammonium and phosphate ions accessible for plant uptake. This immediate availability supports quick-start nutrient responses, often seen as improved seedling vigor and root mass density. The product’s crystalline form facilitates uniform spreading and blending with other fertilizers.
DAP’s performance is optimized in well-drained, moderately acidic to alkaline soils typical of the East African Rift Valley region. Its neutral pH effect minimizes soil acidification compared to ammonium sulfate fertilizers. However, care must be taken with application timing and soil moisture; applying DAP before planting or during early vegetative stages achieves the best nutrient use efficiency. The fertilizer is also compatible with common agricultural chemicals, enabling its integration into blended fertilizer formulations.
Commercially, DAP’s significance lies in its dual-nutrient supply, addressing the common phosphorus deficiency limiting crop productivity in tropical soils. Zenco Systems Ltd ensures quality standards are met, with specifications confirmed upon supply, accommodating the agronomic needs of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and adjacent countries.
DAP 18:46:0 Fertilizer is widely applied to cereals such as maize and wheat that require substantial phosphorus and nitrogen for optimal growth. It provides quick phosphorus availability to stimulate root development and early crop establishment, which is essential for nutrient uptake and drought resistance. Application rates depend on soil tests but typically range from 100 to 200 kg/ha, applied at planting or just before sowing to maximize early nutrient access.
Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient in East African agricultural soils. Regular application of DAP replenishes soil phosphorus reserves in a form readily absorbed by plants. This enriches the soil fertility baseline, improving subsequent crop cycles’ yields. DAP’s ammonium component also helps maintain nitrogen balance, sustaining microbial activity essential for long-term soil health.
Due to its high nutrient concentration and granular, crystalline form, DAP serves as a primary component in custom fertilizer blends. Fertilizer manufacturers and agribusinesses combine DAP with other nutrients or micronutrients to produce formulations tailored to specific crop or soil needs, offering a balanced nutrient profile in one application.
Beyond staple cereals, DAP is used in coffee, tea, and horticultural crop production in East Africa. It supports vigorous vegetative growth and reproductive development. The fertilizer's water solubility facilitates foliar absorption when dissolved and applied as a supplement during critical growth periods, increasing overall farm productivity and profitability.
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DAP delivers both nitrogen and phosphorus in a single product, reducing the complexity and cost of nutrient management programs. This dual supply ensures crops receive balanced nutrition necessary for early root and shoot growth, improving fertilizer efficiency because plants can assimilate both nutrients concurrently without waiting periods.
DAP’s high solubility leads to rapid dissolution in soil moisture, making nitrogen and phosphorus immediately available to plants. This quick action supports seedling vigor and early developmental phases critical for crop success, especially in regions with short rainy seasons or unpredictable rainfall patterns common in East Africa.
Compared to ammonium sulfate and other nitrogen fertilizers, DAP has a near-neutral pH effect in soil, helping to maintain soil pH stability. This reduces the risk of soil acidification over time, which can impair nutrient availability and microbial activity, ensuring the long-term sustainability of cropping systems.
Its granular, crystalline form and chemical stability make DAP well-suited for integration into blended fertilizers, allowing customized nutrient programs for diverse crop and soil needs. This compatibility simplifies logistics and application for commercial farms and supports precision agriculture practices.
DAP 18:46:0 Fertilizer is typically supplied in durable 25kg and 50kg polypropylene woven bags suitable for manual handling and transport. For larger-scale agricultural operations or distribution centers, 200kg drums are available offering efficient bulk storage and reduced repackaging efforts. Zenco Systems Ltd provides packaged quantities optimized for farmers and agribusinesses across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries, supporting cross-border logistics and timely delivery by road and rail networks.
Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200kg drums
Store DAP fertilizer in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent moisture absorption and caking. The product is hygroscopic, meaning it can readily absorb ambient moisture which compromises granule flow and uniformity. Avoid storage near strong acids or incompatible chemicals to prevent degradation. Use sealed containers or bags when possible. Handling should include wearing gloves and dust masks to minimize skin contact and dust inhalation. Under proper storage, DAP maintains effectiveness over typical agricultural seasons; confirm shelf life with the supplier.
DAP fertilizer is classified as a low-hazard chemical but can cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if exposed to dust. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, dust masks, and eye protection is recommended during handling. In case of contact with eyes or skin, rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid inhaling dust. Spills should be contained and prevented from entering waterways. Disposal must comply with local regulations. For detailed hazard information, consult the Zenco Systems Ltd provided Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
DAP is primarily used for staple crops such as maize, wheat, coffee, and tea across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, where phosphorus and nitrogen balance is essential for optimal growth.
Apply DAP at planting time or just before sowing to maximize early phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Typical rates vary by crop and soil fertility, often around 100-200 kg/ha, adjusted based on soil tests.
Stored properly in a dry, ventilated area, DAP maintains quality throughout standard agricultural seasons. Confirm exact shelf life and stability details with Zenco Systems Ltd upon purchase.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies DAP across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Use gloves, dust masks, and eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation as well as inhalation of dust during handling and spreading.
Yes, its chemical stability and granular form make DAP suitable for blending with various macro and micronutrients, allowing custom fertilizer formulations.
DAP is commonly supplied in 25kg and 50kg bags for farmer use, and in 200kg drums for bulk buyers and distributors.
DAP has a near-neutral pH effect, so it does not cause significant soil acidification like some ammonium-based fertilizers, making it more sustainable for long-term soil health.
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