windmill@windmill.co.zw
FAQ
FERTILISERS
Are there different types of fertilisers for crops?
Yes, there are different types of basal fertilisers for different crops. It is recommended that farmers use the appropriate fertilisers.
- Cereals crop usually require Compound D 7:14:7, Blend D 7:14:7, Double D Blend 14:28:14 as well as Cereal Blend 6:23:23
- Vegetable, tobacco, potato crops usually require Compound C 5:15:12, Blend C 5:15:12, Super C 6:24:20 as well as Veg Blend 6:28:23
- Seedbeds require Compound S
- Lawns, pastures, golf courses, sport fields require Compound X 20:10:5
- Cotton, soya, sunflower, groundnuts usually require Compound L 4:17:11
- Flowers, coffee, fruit tree, macadamia, shrubs usually require Compound J 15:5:20
What quantity of fertilizer can I use for my crops?
Usually, farmers are recommended to conduct soil tests before planting in order to know the status of the soil for accurate fertilizer recommendations.
Is fertilizer the most important for cropping success?
As much as fertilizer is critical for success, other factors need also to be met like good agronomic practices among others.
What are straight fertilisers?
These are the fertilisers that supply one or more major nutrient like Ammonium Nitrate, Urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP), Sulphate of Potash (SOP) among others.
What is the right time to apply fertilisers?
Timing of fertiliser application is dependent on:
- Plant type
- Growth stage of the plant
- Type of fertiliser
- Choice of application
Which factors affect fertiliser use efficiency?
- Correct placement
- Right amount
- Right kind of material
- Correct timing
- Soil pH
Explain what are Windmill soluble fertilisers?
Windmill soluble fertilisers provide 11 essential nutrients for plant growth. The nutrients include macro‐nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and also micro‐nutrients – zinc, boron, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum. There are manufactured from the highest quality raw materials that ensure they dissolve quickly and completely in Soluble fertilisers can be taken up by the plant through the roots by way of drenching or through the leaves, by way of spraying over the plants.
Could there be some benefits of using soluble fertilisers?
- Windmill soluble fertiliser is balanced and fast
- Windmill soluble range is suitable for growing all types of plants
- Windmill soluble range contains eleven plant nutrients which are essential for all growth
- Windmill soluble range can be absorbed both through the roots and leaves
- Windmill soluble range is easy to apply
Can I substitute compound, blend and straight fertilisers with soluble fertilizers since they have all nutrition?
- It is advised not to sorely use soluble fertilisers if the farmer would want to realise full yield potential and in turn achieve profits. For the best results, soluble fertilisers should be used to supplement the compounds, blends and straights.
BROILER PLACEMENT & BROODING
What should I prepare before receiving chicks?
- Clean and disinfect the poultry house
- Pre-heat the brooding area 24 hours before arrival
- Ensure availability of clean water and starter feed
- Place adequate bedding and ensure proper ventilation
What brooding temperature should I maintain?
- Day 1: 32–34°C
- Reduce gradually by 2–3°C per week until reaching 22–24°C.
How do I know chicks are comfortable?
- Evenly spread = comfortable
- Huddling = too cold
- Spreading far from heat source = too hot
FEEDING & NUTRITION
What feed should I use at each stage?
- Broiler Starter (Day 1–14) – High protein for early growth.
- Broiler Grower (Day 15–28) – Balanced nutrients for frame development.
- Broiler Finisher (Day 29–Slaughter) – Energy-rich feed for final weight gain
How much feed will each bird consume?
On average 3.5–4.0 kg per bird from placement to slaughter, depending on management.
How often should I feed my broilers?
- Feed should be available 24 hours a day for maximum growth.
Why is my feed consumption low?
- High temperatures
- Disease challenges
- Poor water quality
- Stress or overcrowding
How can I reduce feed wastage?
- Maintain correct feeder height
- Avoid overfilling feeders
- Ensure proper stocking density
- Keep feed dry and protected from moisture
WATER MANAGEMENT
How much water should broilers drink?
Roughly double the amount of feed they consume.
What causes low water intake?
- Hot water
- Dirty drinkers
- Blocked nipples
- Sick or stressed birds
How often should I clean drinkers?
- Daily during production
- Full disinfection between batches
BROILER HOUSING
What is the recommended stocking density?
- 33 chicks/m²duringbrooding
- 10–12 birds/m²
Why is ventilation important?
- Reduces ammonia
- Controls heat and moisture
- Prevents respiratory disease
- Improves feed efficiency
What causes wet litter?
- Leaking drinkers
- Poor ventilation
- High stocking density
- Spilled water or wet feed
BROILER HEALTH & DISEASES
What are common broiler diseases?
- Coccidiosis
- Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD)
- Gumboro (IBD)
- Newcastle Disease
- Infectious Bronchitis
How can I prevent diseases?
- Maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity
- Follow recommended vaccination schedules
- Use clean water and fresh feed
- Limit visitors and equipment sharing between farms
Why do chicks die during the first week?
- Poor brooding temperature
- Weak chick quality
- Delayed access to feed and water
What are signs of illness?
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Coughing or sneezing
- Huddling together
- Reduced growth & uneven flock
PERFORMANCE & WEIGHT GAIN
What is a good FCR when using quality stockfeed?
Typically 1.5–1.8, depending on management and breed.
Why are my broilers not growing well?
- Poor feed quality from other suppliers
- Incorrect temperature
- Disease challenges
- Poor ventilation
- Stress or overcrowding
How often should I weigh my birds?
- Weekly weighing is recommended to monitor growth progress.
MARKETING
When should I slaughter my broilers?
Usually between 5–6 weeks, depending on market weight targets.
What affects market weight?
- Feed quality
- Health challenges
- Stocking density
- Management and environment
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