Tea farmers in Maria-ini tea zonal area in Gatundu North have been advised not to apply the CAN top dressing fertilisers they received recently amid heavy rains.
Speaking to the farmers at Muriko-ini tea collection centre on Thursday, area tea extension officer Paul Mukuhi warned that application of the fertiliser at this stage would not help their tea bushes.
"If the weatherman’s prediction is anything to go by, then this is not the time to apply the fertiliser on the tea bushes because it is likely to be swept downstream by the rain water," said Mukuhi.
He said many tea farmers apply the fertiliser in October when the rains are light to enable them dissolve easily into the soil.
"Unfortunately we are told that the rains will be heavy and that is why we are advising all farmers to wait until the rains are over before they can apply the fertilizer," he said.
He added that the fertilisers were also likely to pollute the nearby Kariminu and Chania rivers as well as the local streams if they find their way there.