Nitrogen plants. Nitrogen fertilizers for feeding plants. Whey as an organic source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

The use of nitrogen fertilizers is an important condition for growing healthy and useful garden crops. The main element of such compositions is nitrogen, which is very important for the proper development of each plant.

Fertilizers with nitrogen are especially important for fruit and berry crops. They accelerate the growth of plants and fruits, improve taste characteristics. Nitrogen can be easily absorbed in various soils (peat, podzolic, chernozem).

Large amounts of nitrogen can be found in organic compounds, but this form acts as a bait for a large number of pests. Under the influence of many insects, the plant may die. That is why many summer residents and They use a form of nitrogen fertilizer that is more useful for gardening plants, and includes all the necessary minerals.

Nitrogen mineral fertilizers are used to enrich any soil mixture with special mineral components, regardless of the composition of the soil and the pH level. The only difference is what is needed in mandatory take into account the number of fertilizers applied for different soils. So, for compositions that are more depleted in nutrients, it is required large number fertilizers and the regularity of their application, and on chernozem such consumption will be slightly less.

The first symptoms for their use becomes the appearance of culture. With a low nitrogen content, plant leaves lose all their color saturation, begin to turn yellow for no particular reason and fall off, poor development and slow formation of new shoots are observed.

Of course, such symptoms indicate severe depletion of the soil composition; mineral fertilizing should be used before it appears. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are divided into three types:

• Ammonia.
• Amide.
• Nitrate.

Fertilizers in the form of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate are more widely used. Nitrate compounds are used much less frequently, but they still have their own advantages: they do not acidify the soil mixture, which in some cases is very important for plants. This group includes the sodium and potassium structure.

Amide fertilizers are the most famous and widespread type of nitrogen fertilizer among summer residents and farmers. Urea is considered a special representative of this group.

Product Use

Nitrogen impurities are added to the soil mixture when planting plants and for their further feeding. They are also added to enrich the soil with mineral components during plowing of the site.

Nitrogen fertilizers are used both for the care of fruit and vegetable plants, so for indoor crops . First of all, nitrogen affects the development and increased density of green masses, and its excessive amount can lead to a delay in the flowering of the crop. It is also necessary to take into account that crops with bulbous, woody or branched roots most of all need nitrogen, which should be added to the soil from a very early age of the plant. During the initial period of growth, root crops are not fertilized at all; such actions begin only after the development of stronger foliage.

And you also need to remember that due to their artificial origin, such components can cause some harm to plants if the dosage is incorrect and haphazardly applied.

Despite the fact that nitrogen fertilizers can be of three types, there are also several subtypes of their compounds.

Ammonium and ammonia fertilizers

Ammonium sulfate is a fertilizer that contains 21 percent nitrogen, simply dissolves in water, and almost does not cake. The product is also a valuable supplier of sulfur, which is found in such a compound in the amount of 24 percent. In its composition it is a neutral salt, but when absorbed by plants it becomes an acidifying substance.

Fertilizer should be used on acidic soils carefully and at a certain dosage, or replace it with other preparations. You should also be especially careful when using it on brown, gray forest, soddy-podzolic soils, yellow soils and red soils. In such areas, ammonium sulfate is used only in conjunction with alkaline phosphorus impurities, for example, with lime, phosphate rock and phosphate slag.

On semi-desert and chernozem soils, soil acidification using ammonium sulfate should be avoided, since they contain a large number of free carbonates that neutralize its effects.

The best method of fertilizing is to irrigate the land. As the experience of many gardeners shows, ammonium sulfate is not very effective when applied to the soil.

Ammonium chloride is a crystalline component that includes 25 percent nitrogen. It dissolves well in water and is slightly hygroscopic. Like ammonium sulfate, it gives the soil increased acidity, therefore, the same contraindications must be taken into account to acidity and combine ammonium with alkaline fertilizers to neutralize the mixture.

You should be especially careful and use ammonium chloride only following the manufacturer's instructions, since the chlorine contained inside may not be well tolerated by some crops in the garden; they may die from its application. Such plants with increased sensitivity include: grapes, potatoes, citrus fruits, flax, tobacco, buckwheat, fruits and vegetables. Winter crops and grain crops have an equal effect on fertilizers.

This group of fertilizers includes calcium and sodium nitrate. Such alkaline compounds react well with acidic soil and can also be used together with other products that have an acidic reaction.

Sodium nitrate contains 16 percent nitrogen. Organoleptic features: crystalline powder, hygroscopic and simply dissolves in water. Most often, this fertilizer is used for growing root crops, for which they are introduced into the soil during planting, and then the plant itself is watered directly with a solution with weak acidity.

Potassium nitrate contains 15 percent nitrogen. It dissolves quickly in water and has a high hygroscopicity rate, which is considered an indication for sale and storage in well-packed plastic bags. This fertilizer is best suited for acidic soils or for neutralizing other compounds that have a special acidity effect.

This group includes lime-ammonium and ammonium nitrate.

The total amount of nitrogen in this fertilizer reaches 35 percent. Ammonium nitrate is hygroscopic, so it must be stored in well-packed, waterproof bags. When applied to the soil, saltpeter must be combined with freshly slaked lime, the ratio is calculated from a ratio of 7:3. This method is most often used when machine fertilizing fields. The production of nitrogen fertilizers involves the addition of a component that absorbs excess moisture and is classified as a leavening agent. Such a component can be phosphate rock, ground limestone and chalk.

Ammonium nitrate quickly dissolves in water, and therefore, when watering, it is not diluted with water, but is applied when planting crops in a dry format. You should not use this fertilizer on your own on soils with increased level acidity, as this aggravates their HP reaction.

Ammonium nitrate can be used both when planting and when re-fertilizing the plant. Most often it is used for growing beets, grain plants, potatoes, row crops and winter crops.

Calcium ammonium nitrate contains up to 20 percent nitrogen, and due to the presence of calcium carbonate in the composition, it is considered a more favorable plant for fertilizer.

Amide compounds

Amide fertilizers include urea, which is in second place in terms of nitrogen content. It contains 46 percent of it. The fertilizer is produced in the form of granules coated with protective film, which contains fats that prevent the substance from caking. When using urea, it should not be applied superficially to plants.

This is due to the fact that, when reacting with soil bacteria, it changes to ammonium carbon dioxide. This is a simpler and more accessible form for absorption by cultures. But we must remember that, interacting with open air, it begins to actively decompose, including into gaseous ammonia ammonium, and positive result application of fertilizer to the soil decreases as it evaporates.

Liquid ammonia is in first place in the amount of nitrogen - 82.3 percent. The process of its creation is quite simple; the substance can be obtained by burning ammonia gas. Anhydrous ammonia must not be stored in open place, since it has the inherent property of evaporating, and it also leads to corrosion of metals: copper and zinc, but has no effect on iron, steel and cast iron, because of this, it is customary to store fertilizer in thick-walled tanks made of these metals.

Application of nitrogen mixtures

Nitrogen-type fertilizers quickly and easily dissolve in water, so they reach the root system of plants in a short time . More efficient method Their use will be to apply them to the ground directly under the roots of the crop in the spring, when the lack of such a component has a particularly strong effect on the developing plant.

The decision about which nitrogen fertilizers to use must be justified and carefully weighed in each case. It is not recommended to add them to the soil in the fall; this restriction applies to shrubs and perennial trees, as this can reduce their frost resistance and in the event of severe cold, the crop most often dies.

Attention, TODAY only!

The term “nitrogen-containing fertilizers” usually causes a negative reaction among gardeners who have little experience in growing garden and vegetable plants, as well as among supporters of organic farming. Few people think that “ecologically friendly” manure or bird droppings are organic nitrogen fertilizers, and their excess is no less harmful to human health than the so-called “chemicals”. This article will address questions about what nitrogen fertilizers are and what types of them are used in garden plots.

Nitrogen in plant life

The role of nitrogen and its derivatives in plant life is difficult to overestimate. Exchange processes on cellular level occur in plants with the participation of a protein that is building material during cell division, synthesis of chlorophyll, trace elements, vitamins, etc.

Nitrogen is a chemical element and an important component of plant protein. With its deficiency, all organic processes in cells slow down, plants stop developing, begin to get sick and wither.

Nitrogen is as important and necessary for all plants as sunlight and water, without it the process of photosynthesis is impossible.

Most of the nitrogen in bound form (organic chemical compounds) is found in soil rich in humus and waste products of worms (vermicompost). The maximum concentration of nitrogen (up to 5%) was recorded in chernozem, the minimum – in sandy and sandy loam soils. IN natural conditions The release of nitrogen in a form suitable for absorption by plants occurs quite slowly, therefore, when growing crops, it is customary to use fertilizers containing nitrogen in a form that is easily absorbed by the roots. They contribute to:

• accelerated vegetation of crops;
• elimination of deficiency of amino acids, vitamins and microelements;
• increasing the green mass of plants;
• easier absorption of nutrients from the soil by plants;
• normalization of soil microflora;
• increasing disease resistance;
• increase in productivity.

However, it should be remembered that not only a lack of nitrogen in plants is harmful, but also its excess, which contributes to the accumulation of nitrates in vegetables and fruits. Excess nitrates consumed in food can cause significant harm to human health.

Signs of nitrogen deficiency and excess in plants

The use of fertilizers directly depends on the composition of the soil, its chemical composition, fertility, acidity, structure, etc. Depending on these factors, it is determined required quantity fertilizers and fertilizing is carried out.

Nitrogen deficiency

If the nitrogen concentration is insufficient, this immediately affects the appearance of the plants and their tone, namely:

• leaves become small;
• the green mass is thinning;
• the foliage loses color and turns yellow;
• Leaves, shoots and fruit ovaries die off en masse;
• plants stop growing;
• the appearance of young shoots stops.

When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to fertilize with nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Excess nitrogen

If the nitrogen content is excessive, all the strength of the plants is spent on growing green mass, they begin to fatten and the following signs appear:

• large, “fat” leaves;
• darkening of the green mass, its excessive juiciness;
• flowering is delayed;
• the ovaries either do not appear or there are very few of them;
• fruits and berries are small and inconspicuous.

Main types of nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are chemical compounds containing nitrogen molecules in various forms, used in agriculture to improve crop growth and increase the quality and quantity of crops. Initially, their classification implies division into two large groups:

1. Mineral.
2. Organic.

Mineral nitrogen fertilizers and their types (by groups):

• nitrate;
• ammonium;
• complex (ammonium-nitrate);
• amide;
• liquid form.

Each group includes its own types of fertilizers, which have different names and special properties, effects on plants and the procedure for fertilizing.

Nitrate group

This group includes fertilizers that contain so-called nitrate nitrogen, its formula is written as follows: NO3. Nitrates are salts of nitric acid HNO3. Nitrate fertilizers include sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

The chemical formula - NaNO3, is sodium nitrate (another name is sodium nitrate), in which the concentration of nitrogen is up to 16%, and sodium - up to 26%. Outwardly it resembles ordinary coarse crystalline salt and is perfectly soluble in water. The disadvantage is that when long-term storage sodium nitrate cakes, although it does not absorb moisture from the air well.

By consuming the nitrate component of the fertilizer, plants deoxidize the soil, reducing its acidity. Thus, sodium nitrate and its use on soils with an acidic reaction provide an additional deoxidizing effect.

The use of this species is especially effective when growing potatoes, beets, berry bushes, fruit crops, etc.

Calcium nitrate

The chemical formula is Ca(NO3)2, which is calcium nitrate (another name is calcium nitrate), in which the nitrogen concentration reaches 13%. It also looks very similar to table salt, but is highly hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from the air well, and dampens. Stored in moisture-proof packaging.

It is produced in granular form; during production, the granules are treated with special water-repellent additives. Calcium nitrate copes well with excessive soil acidity, additionally providing a structuring effect. Calcium improves nitrogen absorption processes and has a general strengthening effect on almost all agricultural crops.

Potassium nitrate

The chemical formula is KNO3, it is potassium nitrate, the concentration of nitrogen is 13%, potassium is 44%. Externally it is a white powder with a crystalline particle structure. It is used throughout the season, and especially during the formation of ovaries, when plants need a large amount of potassium, which stimulates fruit formation.

Typically, potassium nitrate is applied to fruiting and berry crops, such as strawberries, raspberries, beets, carrots, tomatoes, etc. It is not used for all types of greens, cabbage, and potatoes.

Ammonium group

Ammonium is a positively charged NH4+ ion. When interacting with sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride are formed, respectively.

Chemical formula - (NH4)2SO4, contains up to 21% nitrogen and up to 24% sulfur. Externally, it is a crystallized salt that dissolves well in water. It does not absorb water well, so it is stored for a long time. Produced as a by-product of the chemical industry. It is usually white in color, but when produced in the coke industry it is colored in different colors by impurities (shades of grey, blue or red).

Chemical formula - NH4Cl, nitrogen content - 25%, chlorine - 67%. Another name is ammonium chloride. Obtained as a by-product in the production of soda. Due to the high concentration of chlorine, it is not widely used. Many crops react negatively to the presence of chlorine in the soil.

It should be noted that ammonium group fertilizers, when used regularly, significantly increase the acidity of the soil, since plants absorb mainly ammonium as a source of nitrogen, and acid residues accumulate in the soil.

To prevent soil acidification, lime, chalk or dolomite flour are added along with fertilizer at the rate of 1.15 kg of deoxidizer per 1 kg of fertilizer.

Ammonium nitrate group

Basic fertilizer. Chemical formula - NH4NO3, nitrogen content - 34%. Another name is ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate. It is a reaction product between ammonia and nitric acid. Appearance– white crystalline powder, soluble in water. Sometimes it is produced in granular form, since ordinary saltpeter has an increased ability to absorb moisture and strongly cake during storage. Granulation eliminates this disadvantage. It is stored as an explosive and flammable substance in compliance with safety standards, because it can detonate.

Thanks to the double nitrogen content in different forms is a universal fertilizer that can be used for all types of agricultural plants on any soil. Both ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen are perfectly absorbed by all crops and do not change the chemical composition of the soil.

Nitrate can be applied for digging in the fall, in the spring when preparing the soil for planting, as well as into planting holes directly when planting seedlings.

As a result, shoots and foliage are strengthened and crop endurance increases. To prevent acidification of the soil, acidity-neutralizing additives are added to the fertilizer - dolomite flour, chalk or lime.

Amide group

Urea

It is a prominent representative of the group, another name is urea. Chemical formula – CO(NH2)2, nitrogen content – ​​not less than 46%. Externally, it is a white salt with small crystals and quickly dissolves in water. Absorbs moisture moderately and, when properly stored, practically does not cake. Also available in granular form.

According to the mechanism of chemical action on the soil, the amide type of fertilizer has a dual effect - it temporarily alkalizes the soil, then acidifies it. It is considered one of the most effective fertilizers, comparable to ammonium nitrate.

The main advantage of urea is that when it gets on the leaves, it does not cause a burn, even at high concentrations, and is well absorbed by the roots.

Liquid fertilizers

Liquid nitrogen fertilizers are characterized by a greater degree of absorption by plants, prolonged action and uniform distribution in the soil. This type includes:

• anhydrous ammonia;
• ammonia water;
• ammonia.

Liquid ammonia. Chemical formula - NH3, nitrogen content - 82%. It is produced by liquefying its gaseous form under pressure. Outwardly, it is a colorless liquid, with a pungent odor, and evaporates easily. Stored and transported in thick-walled steel containers.

Ammonia water. Chemical formula - NH4OH. Essentially, it is a 22-25% ammonia solution, colorless, with a strong odor. Transported in sealed containers under low pressure, it evaporates easily in air. For feeding purposes, it is more suitable than anhydrous ammonia, but its main disadvantage is the low concentration of nitrogen.

UAN – urea-ammonia mixture. These are ammonium nitrate and urea (urea) dissolved in water. Nitrogen content – ​​from 28 to 32%. The cost of these types is much lower, since there are no expensive procedures for evaporation, granulation, etc. The solutions contain almost no ammonia, so they can be freely transported and applied to plants by spraying or watering. They are widely used due to their relatively low cost, ease of transportation and storage, and versatility of use.

Ammonia. Chemical composition - ammonium and calcium nitrate, urea, etc. dissolved in ammonia. Nitrogen concentration – 30-50%. In terms of effectiveness, they are comparable to solid forms, but a significant disadvantage is the difficulty of transportation and storage - in sealed aluminum containers low pressure.

Organic fertilizers

IN various types organic matter also contains nitrogen, which is used to feed plants. Its concentrations are low, for example:

• manure – 0.1–1%;
• bird droppings – 1-1.25%;
• compost based on peat and food waste – up to 1.5%;
• green mass of plants – 1-1.2%;
• sludge mass – 1.7-2.5%.

Experts believe that the use of personal plot Organic matter alone does not give the desired effect, and sometimes can harm the composition of the soil. Therefore, it is preferable to use all types of nitrogen fertilizers.

How to use nitrogen fertilizers

It should be remembered that these are chemically active substances that can cause severe poisoning if they enter the human body. That is why you should strictly adhere to the recommendations on the dosage and frequency of fertilizing.

Each package contains complete information and instructions for use; they should be carefully studied before processing the beds.

When working with chemicals, you need to use personal protective equipment - gloves, goggles and suits to protect the skin and mucous membranes. When working with liquid forms of fertilizers, you must use a mask or respirator to protect your respiratory tract.

Special attention You need to pay attention to storing fertilizers and under no circumstances use them after the guaranteed shelf life and expiration date have expired. If all conditions are met, there will be no unpleasant consequences from the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Thus, nitrogen fertilizers and their use on a personal plot can greatly increase the yield of crops, increase their resistance to diseases and pests, and also restore the structure and fertility of the soil.

Fertilizers are a gardener's most important weapon. It is by enriching the soil with various compounds that we can count on getting a good annual harvest from the same piece of land. However garden plants require a full range of mineral and organic additives, and the gardener has to navigate this variety quite well. Today we are interested in what groups these are, what they are and what influence they have on the growth and development of plants - we will consider all this in detail.

What is nitrogen

First of all, it is important for you to know that this is one of the most common elements on our planet. Without it, no living organism can exist, and this also applies to plants. Nitrogen is an important component of proteins and amino acids, nucleic acids. That is why the first commandment of a gardener is that he must regularly apply nitrogen fertilizers. What are these? We will talk about this below, but for now - a little more theory. The presence of a sufficient amount of nitrogen in the soil increases productivity, and its deficiency sharply reduces it. That is why garden plots that are used every year require constant application of these substances. However, it is also necessary to remember that, despite its obvious usefulness, it must be used very sparingly. The fact is that an excess of this substance in the soil leads to increased growth of the vegetative system and an almost complete cessation of fruiting.

Why do plants need nitrogen?

We already know that a good harvest cannot be obtained using only natural resources soil. Therefore, it is extremely important to constantly replenish your supply of nutrients. Why is it so important to apply nitrogen fertilizers? What kind of substances these will be - organic or mineral - is decided by each gardener, depending on the time of year and previous fertilizing; below we will consider the optimal schedule for applying fertilizing. But that's not what we're talking about for now. Nitrogen is part of chlorophyll, which is necessary for absorption solar energy. Lipoids, alkaloids and many other substances important for plant life are also rich in nitrogen.

Young stems and leaves are especially rich in nitrogen in the spring, during the active growth phase of the plant itself. As needed, when new buds, leaves and stems appear, they rush to them. And after pollination, they move to the reproductive organs, where they accumulate in the form of proteins. That is, it is extremely important to timely apply nitrogen fertilizers to the soil. We will tell you in detail what these substances are, but for now let us note that if you follow this rule, the volume and quality of the harvest significantly increases. In particular, the protein in fruits becomes more valuable, and garden crops themselves grow much faster.

Types of fertilizers

We are gradually moving on to classification, which means we will tell you more about nitrogen fertilizers. “What are these?” you ask? First of all, an experienced gardener will, of course, remember mineral ones, and this is not surprising. After all, they are the ones we usually see in specialized stores, under the appropriate sign. However, the list does not end there. There are also organic nitrogen fertilizers. These are primarily nutrients of plant and animal origin. This may come as a surprise to you, but manure contains approximately 1% nitrogen. There are other nitrogen fertilizers. What are these, for example? Well, at least compost, in which, when disposing of garbage and peat, a 1.5% concentration of the substance we are considering is achieved, and if in compost pit green foliage is placed, then the figure mentioned above will increase to 2.5%. This is a lot, but there are other organic fertilizers that easily cover these numbers. This is bird droppings that contain at least 3% nitrogen. However, we must not forget that such fertilizers are quite toxic, which means you should not get carried away with them.

Liquid types of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonia group)

We continue to look at nitrogen fertilizers. Name chemical element- “nitrogen” is translated as “life”, from which we can conclude that without such substances the growth and development of green plantings is simply impossible. Let's first talk about the liquid forms of this fertilizer. Their production is much cheaper than the production of solid analogues, which means you can save a lot on your purchase. And there are only three types of them, which are available to any summer resident: anhydrous ammonia, ammonia water and ammonia. They all have different concentrations, so it is important to clarify in advance which of the nitrogen fertilizers is richest in nitrogen than others. This is undoubtedly the additive produced by liquefying ammonia under the influence high pressure and contains at least 82% of the main substance.

Features of applying liquid nitrogen fertilizer to the soil

There are some nuances that need to be taken into account. Applying such fertilizers to the soil is easy and simple, but nitrogen losses may occur for a number of reasons. First of all, this is the evaporation of free, anhydrous ammonia. In addition, soil colloids instantly absorb nitrogen, and part of the fertilizer reacts with water and turns into ammonium hydroxide. It is best to apply this fertilizer to the soil in the fall, after saturating it with humus, which will reduce losses many times over.

Nitrate group

The liquid form is used quite often by small gardening farms. If we talk about industrial scales, then we need to additionally think about which nitrogen fertilizers are best to use. One of the most popular remedies is This is a universal product that provides quick results. The fertilizer is sold in the form of white and pink granules. The nitrogen content in it reaches 35%, which is quite enough, given the high preservation of the active substance in the soil. Many gardeners assure: it is enough to purchase saltpeter, and your plot will no longer lack this element. It is added to the soil in early spring, because it is necessary for a quick start and good development of plants. Approximate consumption is from 25 to 30 g/1m2. Moreover, you can prepare a liquid solution yourself - for this you will need to dilute 20 g per 10 liters of water.

What other nitrogen fertilizers are there?

Ammonium nitrate group (ammonium sulfate)

This is another popular remedy that comes in the form of crystallized salt. Its nitrogen content is slightly lower, about 21%. It can be applied to the soil both in spring and autumn, and depending on the intensity of the harvest, one- or two-fold enrichment of the soil per year can be varied. The fertilizer is not washed out of the soil, which means it provides a lasting effect. Many gardeners have noted slight acidification of the soil with its regular use. It is necessary to add 40-50 g of the mentioned substance per 1 m2 to the soil.

Amide fertilizers

The most striking representative is urea. This is one of the main nitrogen-containing fertilizers (nitrogen concentration - 46%). As a rule, it is used in the spring, but on the heaviest soils it can be applied in the fall. To do this, take 20 g per 1m2. But if you need to make a solution for spraying, you can dilute from 30 to 40 g per 10 liters of water.

However, this is not all the nitrogen fertilizers existing today. The list continues with urea and calcium cyanamide. It should be noted that the most valuable, inexpensive and accessible remedy is urea. This is a highly concentrated fertilizer that can cause burns to plants, so you need to be extremely careful when applying it to the soil.

Application

Now you have figured out which fertilizers are nitrogen, and we can talk a little more about how to use them on your summer cottage. Do not forget that the time and amount of complementary feeding directly depends on the type of soil and the lack of nitrogen in it. It is worth considering that when using a large amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizer, flowering occurs much later, and fruiting may not occur at all. Which plants need to be fed with nitrogen? Absolutely everything except alfalfa and clover. However, each crop has its own requirements for feeding, and this must be taken into account.

Plants with high nitrogen fertilizer needs

These are crops that are familiar to everyone and widely distributed in our garden plots: cabbage and potatoes, pumpkin and zucchini, peppers and eggplants, as well as delicious rhubarb. When growing them, it is necessary to add nitrogen both before planting and during the growing season. It is recommended to use at least 25 g of ammonium nitrate per 1 m2. You definitely need to know what nitrogen fertilizers are if you are going to grow fruit and berry crops such as raspberries and blackberries, strawberries, cherries and plums. It is very important to use these additives in full if you are going to plant decorative dahlias and phloxes, peonies and zinnias, violets and lilacs.

Second group: average nitrogen requirement

These are tomatoes and cucumbers, beets and carrots, garlic, corn and parsley. Among the fruit and berry plants one can note currants and gooseberries, as well as apple trees. Most annual flowers can also be included in this group.

When growing these crops, it is enough to add nitrogen once a year - in early spring. This is quite enough to make the plants feel comfortable. It is recommended to apply no more than 20 g of nitrate per 1 m2.

Third group

These are plants with moderate nitrogen requirements. The recommended dose is 15 g of ammonium nitrate per 1 m2. This includes all leafy vegetables, onions and radishes, early potatoes. Prominent representatives this group are all bulbous ornamental plants. Finally, legumes are the most undemanding (only 7 g of fertilizer per 1 m2 is enough). These are not only peas and beans, but also ornamental plants, such as azalea, heather and many others.

Fertilizer application methods

In order for these substances to act in a timely manner, they must be applied correctly, and most importantly, on time. For this purpose they are used different ways. The very first is spreading. It can be done either manually or using this method before sowing, since the fertilizer takes quite a long time to dissolve. The second is the belt method, in which ammonium nitrate or other mineral nitrogen fertilizer is applied in a narrow belt near the plants on the soil surface or at shallow depths. In case of severe deficiency, spraying is used as an emergency measure. Finally, fertilizers come in liquid form, meaning you can use drip irrigation.

How to Diagnose Nitrogen Deficiency

We hope that now you will not be confused by the question “what are nitrogen fertilizers?” The photos presented on the page will demonstrate with greater clarity the whole variety of such dressings. However, it is very important to understand when it is time to add them to the soil, and when the reason for poor growth lies in something completely different. With a lack of nitrogen, the first thing that occurs is inhibition of growth and yellowing of the entire plant, especially its leaves. You should also be concerned if the color of the plant turns pale yellow. The very first sign that should alert you is the yellowing of the edges of old leaves. Then they dry out and fall off.

Signs of excess nitrogen

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish one from the other, that is, a lack and an excess of nutrients. Therefore, you need to build on what and in what quantities you added to the soil, as well as on your observations of the plants. First of all, an excess of nitrogen manifests itself in the fact that the green part of the plant becomes soft and lush and accelerates its growth, but flowering and ovary usually lag behind in time. If the excess nitrogen is more significant, then burns of the leaves are observed, and then their complete death. Following this, the root system also dies.

Let's sum it up

Thus, to optimize the nutrition of your plants, you can use organic matter (manure or bird droppings) or mineral fertilizers, which is usually more convenient. This can be ammonium nitrate (nitrogen content - 34%) or ammonium sulfate (21%). You may also find calcium (15%) and (16%) useful. If plants are severely deficient in nitrogen or you plan to plant those crops that are most demanding of it, then it is best to take urea (46%). Use fertilizers in the correct proportions and exactly when you need them most.

Nitrogen fertilizers significantly increase the yield of vegetable and fruit crops. If plants are provided with sufficient nitrogen nutrition, then you can count on a good harvest. Nitrogen is an important element that regulates protein synthesis and improves nutrition and absorption of nutrients. With a sufficient amount of nitrogen, plants not only develop organically, but also bear more fruit. Nitrogen can affect the quality and taste of fruits, improves their preservation and resistance to various fungal and bacterial pests.

Nitrogen fertilizers come in organic and inorganic types, liquid and dry. The main substance from which these agrochemicals are made is ammonia. Most often, this type of fertilizer is synthesized in the form of a crystalline powder, but liquid nitrogen-containing chemicals can also be found.

Crystals of nitrogen-containing chemicals dissolve well in water, but are practically not absorbed by the soil, which is why this fertilizer should be applied to the soil in the spring and summer. In the fall, in most cases, the use of nitrogen chemicals is impractical. It is also worth noting the very high ability of crystals to absorb moisture, which requires special conditions for storing this substance.

Inorganic nitrogen fertilizers can be divided into several types, depending on the form of nitrogen contained:

• liquid types of agrochemicals;
• ammonia type;
• in the form of nitrates (salts of nitric acid);
• amide type;
• combined types.

Fertilizers in liquid form

Anhydrous ammonia. This is the most concentrated substance, which does not contain ballast substances. It has no color, actively reacts to the surrounding temperature, and therefore needs special conditions storage During production, it is sealed in an airtight container, since the liquid is pumped under pressure, which is why it is divided into two forms - liquid and gaseous. Quite aggressive to some types of metals and alloys, it is not recommended to store in zinc and copper vessels. Due to the high concentration of ammonia, the fertilizer is toxic; precautions must be taken when working with it. Well absorbed by plants.

It can be used as a fertilizer in the fall, but on lands with a light granulometric composition it is quickly washed away. That is why in such cases it is recommended to apply the agrochemical deeply into the ground in the spring.

Video - Fertilizing soil with anhydrous ammonia

Ammonia water. The fertilizer is sealed in special containers that are under pressure. The substance is not aggressive towards metals and contains a volatile formula of free ammonia, which contributes to large losses of nitrogen during application to the soil. Can be used for autumn, spring application or as top dressing. It is introduced along with water into the deep layers of the soil - 12-15 cm.

Ammonia. The nitrogen content of these liquid chemicals can range from 30 to 50%. Substances are obtained by dissolving various dry granular nitrogen fertilizers in water: ammonium nitrate, urea, etc. These are quite aggressive substances that cause corrosion of ferrous metals and copper alloys.

Ammonia - application to soil

Ammonia types of dry agrochemicals

Used as a basic fertilizer or as a top dressing. The agrochemical does not contain ballast substances, is highly soluble in water, and can be used on both dry and waterlogged soils. At high humidity, it is washed out from the upper layers of the soil. To prevent overdose on a certain area of ​​land, it requires additional grinding before application, as it tends to cake. It can be used together with superphosphates, but the mixture must be enriched with neutralizing components (lime, dolomite, chalk). The neutralizer content should not exceed 15% of the total mass of fertilizers.

Rarely sold in pure form, most often as a mixture with a neutralizer.

Nitrogen in this type of agrochemical is presented in the form of a cation, which tends to linger in the soil. The fertilizer is well absorbed by plants, as it is not washed out during precipitation and melting snow into the lower layers of the soil. Can be used for application to the ground in the autumn-winter period. It has an acidifying effect on the fertile layer; it is recommended to mix it in half with a neutralizer. Can be used as a main fertilizer or as a top dressing. Sold pure or diluted with a neutralizer.

Ammonium sulfate - photo

Ammonium chloride. This type of fertilizer is recommended for use only in the autumn-winter period. It's all about the high chlorine content in the agrochemical formula. Chlorine negatively affects the growth and development of plants. Fertilizer applied for the winter is broken down, and chlorine falls along with precipitation into the lower layers of the soil.

Nitrate types of dry agrochemicals

This type of agrochemical is used as a basic fertilizer. Has an alkaline composition, suitable for various types soil It is well absorbed by plants, but has low fixation in the soil. Helps reduce soil acidity, so it shows the best results on acidic types of soil.

It is also effective on acidic soils, is well absorbed by plants, and is most suitable for root crops, as it enhances the outflow of carbohydrates from the leaves to the roots. It is not applied in the winter, as it is quickly washed out of the soil due to its low fixability.

Amide type dry agrochemicals

Urea. It has the highest concentration of nitrogen and can be used as a main fertilizer and as a top dressing. It is applied to the soil in the spring, as it is highly leaching. When fertilized, it is quickly absorbed by plants: 2 days after application, an increase in nitrogen in protein compounds is observed.

Combined types of dry ammonia fertilizers

In this type of agrochemical, nitrogen is presented in ammonia and nitrate forms. Since it has an oxidizing effect on the soil, it is not recommended to apply it in its pure form. It is recommended to dilute with lime, chalk or dolomite.

Video - Pros and cons of nitrogen fertilizers (part one)

The amount of nitrogen in various types of fertilizers and storage conditions

Table

Name	Description
	The nitrogen content ranges from 21-21.5%. It is stored for a long time, does not accumulate moisture, and has low caking properties.
Ammonia anhydrous	Nitrogen content does not exceed 83%, low caking and hygroscopicity.
Ammonium chloride	The nitrogen content is no more than 26%, has moderate caking properties, and weakly absorbs moisture.
Ammonia water	The nitrogen content does not exceed 20%.
Crystalline ammonium nitrate	Nitrogen content - up to 35%. During long-term storage, it is characterized by high hygroscopicity, poor dispersion and strong caking.
Ammonium nitrate granulated	Nitrogen content - no more than 34.5-35%. Strongly absorbs moisture, requires special storage conditions, and has low caking properties.
	Nitrogen content - no more than 16%, characterized by low caking, moderate hygroscopicity, good dispersibility after storage.
	Nitrogen content -16-17%, quickly absorbs moisture, has high caking properties.
Crystalline urea	Nitrogen content - 45-46%, poor dispersion after storage, low hygroscopicity and caking.
Urea granulated	Nitrogen content no more than 46%. Non-hygroscopic, low caking and good dispersibility after storage.

Organic types of nitrogen fertilizers

This type of fertilizer cannot be called effective for large areas. The nitrogen content in poultry droppings ranges from 1 to 2.5%. It is also worth noting that this type of fertilizer is considered toxic.

IN homemade fertilizer nitrogen is also contained in small quantities - up to 2%, but the compost itself is quite nutritious and useful for the growth of most plants, so its use as a top dressing or base for planting is quite popular and widespread.

What is this fertilizer for?

During growth and development, the plant synthesizes many different proteins, differing in functional purposes, molecular weight and the number of amino acids. Those proteins that are produced during different stages of plant growth are significantly different from those substances that make up the organs and cells of already formed shoots and leaves. It is worth noting that any protein synthesis is accompanied by large losses of energy, which is formed during the process of photosynthesis.

It is nitrogen that provokes the process of photosynthesis in plants, which in turn contributes to faster and higher-quality protein synthesis. The presence of nitrogenous fertilizers in the soil is especially important during the period when plants form stems and leaves. During development, the plant actively absorbs nitrogen from the soil and accumulates it in its organs. As the plant grows, nitrogen can move from aged organs to newly formed shoots and leaves.

After application to the soil, nitrogen fertilizers are almost 70% processed by various microorganisms inhabiting the soil. There is also a leaching of salts and nitrates from the upper layers of the soil. After the bacteria die, the plants begin to absorb the necessary nitrogen from the resulting mass. No more than 40-50% of the nitrogen from the total applied fertilizer remains for the plants.

How to understand that plants do not have enough nitrogen

A lack of nitrogen has a catastrophic effect on the growth and development of any plant crops. First of all, the process of photosynthesis and respiration slows down, which provokes a delay in growth and formation of shoots and leaves. Also, a lack of nitrogen can cause changes in the shape of leaves, a decrease in the size of inflorescences, and a lack of fruit formation. If plants feel nitrogen deficiency, their leaves change color, become pale, and in particularly difficult cases, chlorosis can be observed.

Most often, nitrogen deficiency is observed in the following types of soil:

• sandy;
• podzolic;
• serozems;
• red soils;
• with a high alkali content.

It is also worth knowing that nitrogen starvation can occur in the following cases:

• fertilizer in the spring was applied to the soil too early and microorganisms that contribute to nitrogen mineralization do not process nitrogen-containing chemicals;
• nitrogen starvation can occur on turfed soil;
• large amounts of precipitation in spring. Excess moisture promotes leaching of nitrogen from the upper layers of the soil.

Signs of nitrogen deficiency in vegetable and horticultural crops

Table

Name	Description
	The growth of shoots slows down. The color of the leaves becomes pale, the veins on the back of the leaf become red or burgundy. The roots turn brown, become deformed and quickly die. The inflorescences fall off; if the plant bears fruit, the tomatoes grow very small and rarely ripen to the point of redness.
	The lower leaves on the shoots become yellow, the stems lose their rigidity and flexibility, and become brittle. The inflorescences fall off; if ovaries appear, the fruits are small in size and pointed at the ends.
	The growth of stems slows down, the leaves acquire a yellowish tint. The lower tier of leaves may die off, the upper tier has small foliage. Most often, nitrogen starvation is observed during the flowering and budding period of the crop.
	With a lack of nitrogen, the leaves turn yellow and gradually begin to die.
	The plants experience growth retardation and the bulb does not form. The green arrows begin to turn yellow at the tips.
	The heads do not form, the leaves take on a reddish tint.
	Root crop acquires pink, does not develop. Ground leaves become smaller, turn yellow and fall off over time.

Nitrogen overdose

When there is an overdose of nitrogen, plants begin to develop green mass strongly, but the reproductive organs completely stop growing. Also, a large amount of nitrogen can burn the root system, causing the plant to wither very quickly.

Video - Pros and cons of nitrogen fertilizers (part two)

Nitrogen is contained in small quantities in organic fertilizers. All types of manure contain 0.5-1% nitrogen. Bird droppings 1-2.5% nitrogen. Duck, chicken and pigeon droppings have the highest percentage of nitrogen, but they are also the most toxic. The maximum amount of nitrogen contains vermicompost up to 3%.

You can make natural organic nitrogen fertilizers with your own hands: compost heaps(especially peat-based) contain some amount of nitrogen (up to 1.5%), compost from household waste also contains up to 1.5% nitrogen. Green mass (lupine, sweet clover, vetch, clover) contain about 0.4-0.7% nitrogen, green foliage contains 1-1.2%, lake silt (1.7-2.5%).

To “improve” compost, it is recommended to use a number of plants that contain substances that suppress the development of putrefactive processes. These include leaf mustard, various mints, nettles, comfrey (it is rich in soluble potassium), horseradish.

Organic fertilizer with a high nitrogen content can be prepared from mullein. To do this, put mullein in a barrel, filling the barrel one third, fill it with water and let it ferment for 1-2 weeks. Then dilute with water 3-4 times and water the plants. Pre-watering with water. You can make one like this. Applying any fertilizers acidifies the soil, so you need to add ash, dolomite flour, and lime.

But it is not recommended to remove nitrogen fertilizers with ash at the same time. Because with this combination, nitrogen turns into ammonia and quickly evaporates.

So what contains organic nitrogen for plant nutrition?

Natural nitrogen fertilizers and their nitrogen content.

• manure - up to 1% (horse manure - 0.3-0.8%, pork - 0.3-1.0%, mullein - 0.1-0.7%);
• biohumus aka vermicompost - up to 3%
• humus - up to 1%;
• droppings (bird, pigeon, duck) - up to 2.5%;
• compost with peat - up to 1.5%;
• household waste - up to 1.5%;
• green foliage - up to 1.2%;
• green mass - up to 0.7%;
• lake silt - up to 2.5%.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers inhibit the accumulation of nitrates in the soil, but use them with caution. The application of manure (compost) to the soil is accompanied by the release of nitrogen up to 2 g/kg for 3-4 months. Plants easily absorb it.

Some more statistics: one ton of half-rotted fertilizer contains 15 kg of ammonium nitrate, 12.5 kg of potassium chloride and the same amount of superphosphate.

Every year, up to 40 grams fall into the soil along with precipitation per hectare of land. fixed nitrogen. In addition, soil microflora that process atmospheric nitrogen is capable of enriching the soil with nitrogen in an amount of 50 to 100 grams per hundred square meters. Only special nitrogen-fixing plants can provide more fixed nitrogen for the soil.

Nitrogen-fixing plants used as fallow crops can become a natural source of organic nitrogen. Certain plants, such as beans and clover, lupine, alfalfa and many others, accumulate nitrogen in their root nodules. These nodules release nitrogen into the soil gradually throughout the plant's life, and when the plant dies, the remaining nitrogen increases the overall soil fertility. Such plants are called green manure and in general.

One hundred square meters of peas or beans planted on your site in a year can accumulate 700 grams of nitrogen in the soil. One hundred square meters of clover - 130 grams. Lupine - 170 grams, and alfalfa - 280 grams.

By sowing these plants after harvesting and removing plant debris from the site, you will enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Whey as an organic source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The most accessible nitrogenous fertilizer for plants is whey. Due to the protein content in it, which, during the process of watering plants with the addition of whey, gets into the soil. And there, under the influence of soil microflora, nitrogen is released and becomes available to plants. That is, this is how nitrogen fertilization of plants is carried out.

To carry out such feeding, you need to dilute 1 liter of whey in 10 liters of water. And water the plants at the rate of 1 liter of whey diluted 10 times per plant.

If you first add 40 ml of pharmaceutical ammonia to 1 liter of serum. Then ammonia reacts with lactic acid to form ammonium lactate.

Using such a solution on a regular basis we will not be able to affect the acidity of the soil, which is very good. Because if we did not add ammonia to the whey. Then, with frequent use of whey for root feeding of plants, the acidity of the soil would inevitably increase.

In addition, whey itself contains a large amount of minerals. Every 100 grams of whey contains:

• 78 milligrams of phosphorus;
• 143 milligrams potassium;
• 103 milligrams of calcium.

It also contains small amounts of magnesium and sodium.

comfrey

Natural nitrogen-containing fertilizers obtained through industrial processing.

Blood meal is an organic product made from dried blood and contains 13 percent total nitrogen. This is a very high percentage of nitrogen content in the fertilizer. You can use blood meal as a nitrogen fertilizer by sprinkling it on the surface of the soil and pouring water over the top to encourage absorption of the blood meal. You can also mix blood meal directly with water and apply it as a liquid fertilizer.

Blood meal is a particularly good source of nitrogen for rich soil lovers like lettuce and corn because it works quickly.
Blood meal can be used as a component of compost or as an accelerator for the decomposition of other organic materials, as it acts as a catalyst for decomposition processes.

Soybean flour is a source of nitrogen nutrition for soil microorganisms. When soybean meal is decomposed by soil microflora, then mineralized nitrogen will become available to plants. It can also be used as a compost component along with fishmeal. Which, after mineralization, will become not only a source of nitrogen, but also a number of microelements.

Nitrogen fertilizers Video: