Fertilizers
All You Need to Know About Nitrogen Fertilizers
Nov
What is all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers? Nitrogen fertilizers for plants provide the essential element without which the growth of plants is not possible. Nitrogen is a crucial element that is required in growing plants to ensure normal growth and development.
High levels of this element are important in ensuring the productivity of a plant. Nitrogen deficiency can also result in poor quality fruits and vegetables.
1. Role of Nitrogen Fertilizers in Plant Growth
1.1 Photosynthesis of Starch and Cellulose
Nitrogen is an essential element in the Photosynthesis of starch and cellulose in plants, so feeding the plants with nitrogen is very essential.
- Nitrogen is an important element required in the process of photosynthesis.
- It helps in the conversion of simple sugars into starch and cellulose.
1.2 Production of Amino Acids
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers include that It is also very necessary for the production of amino acids, as it creates a release of cysteine that is an essential amino acid for plants.
- A fertilizer that contains a high amount of nitrogen is also beneficial, as it makes the plants thrive.
Different types of nitrogen compounds are available, and one of them is Ammonium Nitrate.
1.3 Production of Nitric Oxide
One of the most important functions included in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that it helps in the production of nitric oxide.
1.3.1 Essential for Plant Growth
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that the Nitrogen supplies a very good source of this nitric oxide which is essential for plant growth.
1.3.2 Production of Hormones and Enzymes
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that Nitrogen also helps in the development of chlorophyll.
- Nitrogen is also very useful in the production of certain enzymes and hormones which are very important in plant development.
1.4 Absorption and Distribution of Phosphorus
Nitrogen also helps in the proper absorption and distribution of phosphorus in plants.
1.4.1 Role of Phosphorus
- Phosphorus is essential for the proper growth and development of the plants.
1.4.2 Ensure Proper and Faster Growth
Another point included in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that Nitrogen is very essential for ensuring proper and faster growth of the plants.
- Nitrogen helps in the proper functioning of the photosynthesis process.
1.5 Distribution of Nutrients
Nitrogen also ensures better distribution of nutrients in the plant body.
1.5.1 Growth and Development of Root system
It also helps in the proper growth and development of the root systems.
1.5.2 Increase Plant Fertility
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers include that Nitrogen is very useful for increasing the fertility of plants.
- This in turn leads to better crops production.
2. Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizers
2.1 Urea Based Fertilizer
These are the urea-based fertilizers that are commonly found.
2.1.1 Formation of Urea Fertilizer
They are formed naturally by bacteria and they combine with the other elements present in soil to create nitrates.
- Most of them contain a lot of nitrogen.
2.1.2 Constituent of Nitrous Oxide
Urea forms the major constituent of nitrous oxide, which is known to be the main contributor of nitrous to fertilizer.
- In the process of being formed, uric acid is released as one of its by products.
Some of the urea-based nitrogen fertilizers also contain a very high level of phosphorous.
2.2 Potassium Nitrate Based Fertilizer
It is one of the simplest forms of nitrogen fertilizer available in the market today.
- It contains a very low amount of nitrogen but has a high level of potassium in it.
2.2.1 Activator of Microorganisms
Due to this potassium, it releases a gas called potash, which helps in releasing nitrogen and acts as an activator for microorganisms.
- It also produces acids released in the decomposition of the nutrients.
Due to its decomposition,
- Potassium nitrate fertilizer helps in providing better soil fertility and in reducing the acid generated during decomposition.
2.3 Ammonia Based Fertilizer
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers also explains that Ammonia is a highly toxic chemical that causes respiratory and intestinal irritation when inhaled.
Also,
- It is extremely destructive to any living thing it touches.
2.3.1 Cheapest Ingredient
Ammonia is used as the main ingredient in most forms of nitrogen fertilizers because it is the cheapest.
2.3.2 Irritating Nature
However, its irritating nature makes it unfit for large-scale application. Also,
- It tends to form a white film on whatever it touches which further impedes its use.
2.4 Potash
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers also include another form of nitrogen fertilizer that is Potash (Potassium) Potash is the saltiest of all the three major forms of nitrogen fertilizers because it is derived from sea water.
- Potash however is extremely useful because it has high solubility levels which mean that it is soluble in water.
- This allows plants to absorb Potash easily from water, which means that it enhances the productivity of the plants.
3. Characteristics of Nitrogen Fertilizers
3.1 Ability to Fix Nitrogen
Characteristics of nitrate fertilizers in the discussion of all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers include their ability to fix nitrogen and nitrate (and all three forms of nitrogen) to a soil particle.
3.1.1 Absorption of Nutrients
- This creates a larger void in the soil, which the nutrients are immediately absorbed.
3.1.2 Decrease the Rate of Decay
- While they do not add much organic matter, they do slow down the rate of decay in the soil.
3.1.3 Water Holding Capacity
As a result, nitrate fertilizers often hold more water than their counterparts, as water can easily move over large distances.
- This feature makes them less desirable during droughts when water levels in the soil may drop.
3.2 Slow-Release Source of Nutrients
Another main point in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that the Nitrates also provide an important slow-release source of nutrients that keep plants healthy, such as;
- Phosphorus and
- Potassium.
3.2.1 Elements Remain In Plants
These elements are not immediately used by the plant, but are held in the soil where they remain.
- They are returned to the plant through root regrowth or through the regrowth of dead leaves and roots.
3.2.2 Maintain the Food Stored for Plants
This process keeps the plant’s food stores from running low, and
- Also helps prevent the formation of nitrate fertilizer-rich nitrates in the soil.
3.3 Ability to Lock Moisture in Soil
Characteristics included in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers also include their ability to lock in moisture in the soil,
- It allows the plants to soak up as much water as possible.
3.3.1 Prevent Shortage of Nutrients
This is a very important quality when considering how much water you will need to use in the soil.
- It also helps to make sure that you don’t run out of nutrients when using it, as they have a limited holding capacity.
3.3.2 Enhance Benefits of Soil for Plants
Also, nitrogen is often used as a source of organic fertilizer,
- It means that it adds to the benefits that the plants get from the soil.
3.4 No Leaching of Chemical into Soil
Another great characteristic in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that it doesn’t leach any chemicals into the soil.
- Because of these qualities, nitrate fertilizers are considered one of the easiest forms of fertilizer to use, despite their slower rate of release.
- They are also good for gardens with other less desirable characters of soil.
4. Tips to Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer to Plants
4.1 Type of Fertilizer Needed
While learning all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers, The first thing to do is to figure out what type of nitrogen fertilizer you will need.
- This depends on the type of plant that you have.
4.1.1 Leguminous Plants
A good example is that plants that are legumes will need fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen.
- You should know that just about anything that can be eaten can also be used as fertilizer.
4.1.2 Other Examples
Some examples of this are;
- Leafy green plants,
- Butternut squash, and even
- Alfalfa.
Anything that can be eaten should be used.
4.2 Read Instructions Carefully
It is important to read the instructions on the package that the fertilizer came in.
4.2.1 Requirements of Fertilizers
Many fertilizers have instructions that tell you how much, what kind, and how often you should apply them.
4.2.2 Follow Directions on Packet
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers include that, You should follow the directions when it comes to applying fertilizer to your plants.
- If you don’t, your plants will not thrive.
- Instead, they will suffer from deficiencies that can cost them their lives.
4.3 Apply Fertilizers after Watering the Plants
Another tip to use included in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is to make sure that you are ready to apply your fertilizer right after you water your plants.
4.3.1 Requirement of Water for Nitrogen Absorption
Most of them rely on the water to help them get the nitrogen they need.
- They are unable to do this without the water.
4.3.2 Wait for a Few Days
If you wait until after your plants have been watered and still have not gotten any,
- You may have to wait for one or two days before you are able to give them the extra nitrogen.
- This is very important.
4.4 Wash the Leaves
After you apply your nitrogen fertilizer, you should always rinse your leaves off thoroughly.
4.4.1 Removal of Residues
This is very important to make sure that no residue is left.
- This is especially true if you use a garden hose or other external application system.
4.4.2 Best Results from Fertilizers
It will help your plants to get the best results from your fertilizer.
- After all, residue in the soil will not work in its own.
4.5 Need of Mulching
If you are going to be out for most of the day, then you will need to mulch your plants.
- This is something that you should do at least once a month.
You can start by digging a hole down deep enough to hold the amount of fertilizer that you will need to give your plants during that time.
- Mulching is also very beneficial if you have droughts in your area.
5. Benefits of Nitrogen Fertilizers
5.1 Readily Available
The first advantage is that the ingredients of this type of fertilizer are readily available in most stores and supermarkets.
5.1.1 Benefits for the Consumer
- This means that the consumer does not have to go through a long process to find the right kind of fertilizer for their plants.
- The consumer can simply purchase the powder and use it as he or she wishes without having to worry about how it will affect the plants.
5.1.2 Ease of Mixing Fertilizer
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers include that, The process of mixing this fertilizer with water is also very simple. The only thing that the user would need to keep in mind is ensuring that;
- The pH level of the soil is optimum and that
- The Nitrogen is at the proper levels.
5.2 Essential Element for Plant Development
Nitrogen is a vital ingredient in these products because it is an essential element for plant development.
- These benefits of these products were discovered over 100 years ago.
5.3 Stronger Growth
Plants need nitrates in order to grow strong. Nitrates are also plentiful in manure from
- Sheep,
- Cattle, and
- Other animals.
5.3.1 Conversion of Animal Products to Nitrogen
These animal products are converted into nitrates through a process called pyrolysis.
5.3.2 Extraction of Nitrogen from Seaweed
Nitrogen can also be extracted from seaweed, and manure from the wastes of these plants.
- It is also known that radish juice and carrot juice contain high amounts of nitrogen, as well as beet pulp.
5.4 Ability to Restore pH Level of Soil
Another advantage included in all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers, for plants is that they are able to restore the pH level of the soil in a much faster manner.
5.4.1 Faster Growth of Plants
This allows the plants to grow at a faster pace without facing any problems.
- pH level issue is one of the major reasons why farmers resort to using fertilizers.
5.4.2 Increasing Nitrogen Levels
This is because they are unable to increase the levels of Nitrogen in the soil due to the presence of too much pH.
- The use of Nitrogen fertilizers speeds up the process of increasing the levels of Nitrogen in the soil.
5.5 Production of Shoots and Blooms
All you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers is that It also helps in the production of new shoots and blooms.
- This is possible because during this stage the plants experience a growth spurt in their number.
This also helps in ensuring that the plants grow at a faster pace.
- Nitrogen is also essential for ensuring that the root system of the plants grows strong and healthy.
5.6 Popular Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizers
Some of the most popular forms of Nitrogen fertilizers that are used are:
- Ammonium Sulphate,
- Potassium Chloride,
- Potash, and
- Calcium Carbonate.
All of these forms of Nitrogen are used for the purpose of promoting plant growth and for ensuring that the plants grow at a faster rate.
6. Conclusion
It was all you need to know about nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen is extremely important in ensuring that the plants have a green, well-rotting stem.
Plants that are fed Nitrogen in their early growth stages are better prepared to take in Nitrogen is also essential in ensuring that the young leaves have enough chlorophyll to continue to grow, even after they are fully grown.
Nitrogen has also been found useful in improving the taste and quality of certain foods. Nitrogen is also essential for the development of healthy, strong roots. Therefore, if you wish to ensure better-tasting, healthier produce, then it is important that you give your plants Nitrogen fertilizers.
