Kenyan farmers have been cautioned against the overuse of synthetic fertilizers, with experts warning that decades of heavy reliance on chemical inputs are steadily eroding soil fertility and reducing productivity.
Soil expert and CEO of Pure Plant Organics, Dennis Murithi, said continued dependence on synthetic fertilizers poses a serious threat to soil health and long-term food security.
“Synthetic fertilizers give the soil a quick boost, but over time they strip it of its natural structure and nutrients. The more we depend on chemicals, the less healthy the soil becomes,” he cautioned.
Murithi noted that degraded soils cannot retain water, support strong root systems, or resist pests and diseases—ultimately leading to lower yields. He further warned that overuse of fertilizers kills beneficial microbes, compacts the soil, and disrupts its natural balance.
“The result is farmland that looks productive in the short term but becomes fragile and vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental stress in the long run. If unchecked, this degradation can become irreversible,” he warned.
Murithi stressed that soil degradation risks triggering a food security crisis, as reduced yields mean less produce for markets, higher costs for farmers, and fewer resources for communities.
“Once soil loses its natural balance, crops cannot access water or nutrients effectively, even with irrigation. That’s when food security becomes a national issue,” he explained.
To avert this crisis, Murithi advocates for a gradual shift towards organic farming practices. He urged farmers to begin reducing synthetic fertilizer use and adopt organic alternatives such as compost, organic fertilizer, and soil amendments.
He emphasized that using agricultural residues like maize stalks for mulching or converting them into organic fertilizer through pyrolysis can restore soil health.
“Our approach focuses on amending the soil, not just feeding the plants. By improving aeration, water retention, and nutrient balance, we help soils return to their natural fertile state. Healthy soils produce healthy plants, and healthy plants guarantee food security,” said Murithi.
With unpredictable rainfall and longer dry spells, Murithi said organic fertilizers also help soils retain water, enabling crops to withstand harsh weather conditions.
“Organic fertilizers work with nature, not against it. They help the soil hold water, support root growth, and improve nutrient absorption,” he said, adding that high-value crops such as avocdos, tea, coffee, and vegetables can thrive under organic management.
Murithi’s company, Pure Plant Organics, now produces organic fertilizers and soil amendments tailored to restoring soil fertility while supporting sustainable farming practices.
By Florence Kinyua
