Nitrogen fertilizer application. Classification of nitrogen fertilizers: properties, features, application

Yellow corn, pale sunflowers and soybeans... This picture can often be seen in some fields. The reasons for this may be different, but one of the main ones is a lack of nitrogen. How to apply nitrogen fertilizers correctly? What are the features of introducing no-till technology? When is the best time to apply nitrogen fertilizers to spring crops? What are the techniques and dangers? This will be discussed in this article.

QUESTION PRICE

Improper application of nitrogen fertilizers is a waste of money. And a lot of money! The use of fertilizers must be approached responsibly, especially those containing nitrogen. You shouldn’t make a decision just because “you think so” or “your neighbor does so.” You should understand the principles and nuances of using nitrogen fertilizers in no-till technology.

Nitrogen applied incorrectly is wasted money.

Inappropriate use of nitrogen fertilizers leads to direct financial losses in the form of costs for fertilizers and their application. The consequences can be different: washing, nitrogen starvation of plants. In case of leaching, the environment around you is polluted - nitrates end up in bets, rivers and lakes. Nitrogen losses as a result of leaching will lead to crop failure. And then the agronomist and the owner will wonder why the corn didn’t grow this year?!

Today, the issue of applying nitrogen fertilizers to spring crops is quite acute. When is the best time to apply them? In autumn, spring or just before sowing? Or fractionally - in autumn and spring? But won’t it wash away with moisture what was added in the fall? These questions from farmers are understandable - no one wants to spend money and not get the desired result.

To get answers to these questions, you need to understand the forms of nitrogen that are contained in popular nitrogen fertilizers.

NITROGEN IS IMPORTANT AND MOBILE. BE CAREFUL!

FORMS OF NITROGEN

Everyone knows about the three forms of nitrogen: amide NH2, ammonium NH4 and nitrate NO3. What is the difference?

The amide form is absorbed only through the leaves. In 1-4 days it turns into ammonium. If the fertilizer contains NH4 (ammonium form of nitrogen), then the nitrogen immediately combines with the soil.

The ammonium form of nitrogen is not washed away, but is not available to plants. In order for nitrogen NH4 to become available to plants, the process of nitrification must go through, i.e. bacteria must convert it into NO3 - the nitrate form of nitrogen.

It takes from 7 to 40 days to convert the ammonium into the nitrate form, depending on the temperature. The process of transition from one form to another can be expressed as follows:

Only the nitrate form is absorbed by plants through the root system. This form of nitrogen is absorbed immediately after application. NO3 never binds to the soil and can therefore be washed away. This is especially true on sandy soils and slopes. The nitrate form of nitrogen is available to plants and can be absorbed even at low temperatures.

THROUGH THE ROOTS OF THE PLANT ASSOCIATE ONLY THE NITRATE FORM OF NITROGEN

Urea, saltpeter or UAN?

Urea contains one form of nitrogen - amide. As we have already noted, this form is absorbed only through the leaf surface. To transform into an accessible nitrate form, it may take 40-45 days and a temperature not lower than +5...+10°C. In the cold season, urea is ineffective. The nitrogen contained in urea will be available to the plant only after conversion to the nitrate form.

Urea is not the best choice of basic nitrogen fertilizer for no-till. The amide form of nitrogen will only work for the future harvest. And the utilitarian is also interested in the decomposition of plant residues.

Ammonium nitrate contains two forms of nitrogen - ammonium NH4 and nitrate NO3. One of them is “mobile” and can be washed, the other is fixed in the soil and gradually transforms into “mobile” and accessible. This type of fertilizer is recommended to be applied to moist soil at a temperature NOT higher than +10°С.

Saltpeter can be purchased in advance and stored on the farm. This gives unconditional efficiency for making deposits. Nitrate can be applied using a spreader, which gives good uniformity of distribution.

UAN (urea-ammonium mixture) - contains all three forms of nitrogen. The nitrate form of nitrogen, which is contained in UAN, is immediately available to plants, while the other two - amide and ammonium - are gradually transformed into nitrate.

Nitrate and UAN contain a nitrate form, which will serve as “food” for bacteria and fungi that mineralize plant residues.

It should be noted that CAS is not demanding regarding application conditions. Neither temperature nor soil moisture affects the possible “loss” of nitrogen. UAN can be applied even at high temperatures and in dry soil.

UAN has certain restrictions during transportation and storage. UAN is an extremely aggressive liquid. Not every sprayer will pass this test. In addition, when applying, the sprayer tubes may become clogged with debris, which will negatively affect the uniformity of application.

HOW MUCH AND FOR WHAT?

Nitrogen fertilizers in no-till technology are applied not only for the planned harvest, but also for the decomposition of plant residues.

Mineralization (decomposition) of plant residues occurs due to fungi and bacteria. These microorganisms live in the soil and on the surface. They remain active under favorable conditions: temperature +5...+40°C and the presence of moisture. For the development of fungi and bacteria and the maintenance of their vital functions, organic matter (plant residues) and nitrogen are needed. We have already written about how we calculate the amount of fertilizers on our farms (excerpt from the article below).

If you do not provide additional nitrogen for the decomposition of plant residues, then microorganisms will in any case consume nitrogen from the soil, which was intended for plants. If you do not take this into account when calculating the rate of nitrogen fertilizers, the result will be a decrease in yield.

By the way, this is one of the so-called “childish mistakes” of beginning laptop technicians. The result of this approach can be seen in the photograph, which shows the border between soybeans planted over oats (right) and soybeans planted over corn (left).

When applying nitrogen fertilizers, the difference in the amount of plant residues was not taken into account.

CONSIDER THE AMOUNT OF PLANT RESIDUE ON THE FIELD

WHEN TO APPLY NITROGEN FERTILIZER?

In No-till technology, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil surface. Essentially, the same as in any other technology. Nitrogen fertilizers can be applied for sowing spring crops in both autumn and spring. It all depends on the conditions in which the farm is located: the amount of precipitation, soil types, terrain, temperature conditions.

In regions with sufficient rainfall and sandy soils, nitrogen flushing is possible. Therefore, it is better to apply fertilizers containing the NO3 form closer to sowing, i.e. in the spring.

On flat chernozem soils, with an average annual precipitation of no more than 350 mm, nitrogen fertilizers for spring crops can be applied in late autumn. More specifically, from the end of October until the appearance of snow cover.

There is no need to apply fertilizers on snow cover. Some farmers believe that if the snow cover is insignificant (up to 5 cm), then nitrogen fertilizers can be applied. This is mistake! Even with a thin snow cover, the slightest melting of snow will cause water runoff. Water will move nitrogen into the low spots that are found in every field. This will lead to uneven distribution of nitrogen across the field.

In fields with slopes there will always be washouts and leaching. And with sufficient precipitation, nitrogen losses are inevitable and enormous!

Late autumn, as a rule, creates ideal conditions for applying ammonium nitrate. The soil during this period is moist, and the air and soil temperature does not exceed +10°C. At this temperature, nitrogen does not “fly away”.

In spring the air temperature rises. The top layer of soil loses moisture. The window for effective application of nitrogen fertilizers is extremely small. This happens not only due to weather conditions, but also because during this period another operation is imposed in the field - fertilizing of winter rapeseed and wheat is underway. Therefore, it is necessary to “catch” frozen-thawed soil.

Thus, we have found that the best effect is provided by nitrogen fertilizers that contain two or more forms of nitrogen. When applying, you should take into account the amount of precipitation in the region, the type of soil and the presence of slopes in the fields. Calculation of the norm must be done taking into account the amount of nitrogen required for the decomposition of plant residues of the predecessor crop. Granular nitrogen fertilizers are most effective when applied to moist soil.

How are nitrogen fertilizers applied on the farms of the Agromir Company? Ammonium nitrate is used everywhere. On farms in the Kirovograd region, application is usually planned for the fall. Spring application also occurs. Experience has shown that the timing of fertilization does not affect the yield. Although, some experts believe that autumn application is preferable.

In the Zhytomyr and Ternopil regions, ammonium nitrate is spread in the spring. The reason has already been discussed above: sloping fields, heavy rainfall and sandy soils.

Understanding the rules and dependencies that were outlined in this article will allow you to use nitrogen fertilizers as efficiently as possible.

Choose forms, calculate rates and apply nitrogen fertilizers correctly. Dark green crops and high yields for you.

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To grow various crops on your site, at some stages of planting you need to use nitrogen fertilizers. To select the necessary drug, you need to know what supplements from this class are available and how they work. Before using any product, read the instructions for use. If the correct approach to processing is followed, the beds are rarely attacked by pests, the seedlings grow actively, and the harvest is plentiful.

General characteristics of nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are an artificial mixture consisting of organic and inorganic compounds. The concentration of the active substance in them corresponds to a certain numerical indicator. They are used at home almost throughout Russia in order to increase plant productivity and accelerate their development.

The overall coefficient of beneficial use of nitrogen fertilizers by plants is no more than 50%. The reasons for this phenomenon include:

1. 1. Nitrogen fertilizers are significantly affected by microorganisms inhabiting soil horizons: up to 3/4 of the mixture applied to the soil is consumed already in the first 7 days by bacteria and fungi. The chemical compounds consumed by them will be available for nutrition only after the death of microorganisms.
2. 2. High losses of the compound from the substrate are due to the leaching of chemical elements from the soil horizon, denitrification (gaseous losses) and nitrification (formation of nitrates and their subsequent removal from the soil).

Classification of fertilizers

Based on the content of active and additional substances, there are 5 main types:

1. 1. Nitrate: this type includes sodium, calcium and potassium nitrate.
2. 2. Ammonium: contain ammonium sulfate and chloride. The most common representatives are urea and calcium cyanamide.
3. 3. Ammonium nitrate: contain ammonium and nitrates. The most famous are ammonium and lime-ammonium nitrate.
4. 4. Amide: Among this type, urea is a common one.
5. 5. Ammonia: liquid category, the most popular varieties are ammonia water and anhydrous ammonia. This type includes ammonium sulfate, sulfide and carbonate, ammonium chloride, ammophos and diammophos.

According to the state of aggregation, two forms are presented:

1. 1. Liquid - economical and easy to use.
2. 2. Solid - application is more complex, fertilizer consumption is higher.

What do nitrogen fertilizers provide?

The positive result from the use of artificial sources of nitrogen - nitrogenous fertilizers - is to achieve the following indicators:

1. 1. Accelerated growth of stems, roots and leaves.
2. 2. Enhanced nutrition of the plant with amino acids during the initial periods of growth.
3. 3. Improving the water balance of the plant organism.
4. 4. Accelerated process of mineralization of other fertilizers used together with or after the application of nitrogen-containing ones.
5. 5. Resistance of plant organisms to unfavorable climatic, meteorological, anthropogenic environmental conditions and mechanical damage.
6. 6. Increase in yield.

Nitrogen is considered the most important for the processes of plant growth, development and flowering, the percentage of which in the soil layer directly affects the condition of the crop. The distribution of the active substance and its amount in the soil is uneven and depends on the type of soil, geographic latitude and natural zone. Therefore, nitrogen-containing preparations and their correct use in many regions are a necessary condition for obtaining a healthy, abundant harvest.

Soil types and nitrogen content

Depending on the natural zone and latitude of the region, the nitrogen content in the soil varies. If we list the types of soils most common in Russia according to the concentration of a chemical element in them in descending order, then chernozems (thick and ordinary) will be in first place, podzolic soils will be in second place, and sandy and sandy loam soils will be in third place.

The highest concentration of nitrogen (up to 5%) is observed in the humus soil layer. Since the soil layer is fed through humus, the content of nitrogen compounds directly depends on its concentration in it. The process of decomposition of the chemical element in humus occurs slowly, resulting in plants receiving no more than 1% of the total nitrogen contained in the layer.

The absorption of active substances from the soil is carried out by plants only after the completion of the mineralization process resulting from contact with microorganisms. The duration of humus decomposition directly depends on the following external factors determined by the environment:

1. 1. Chemical characteristics of the soil layer.
2. 2. Humidity level.
3. 3. Average air temperature for the region.
4. 4. Aeration level.

The role of nitrogen in the processes of plant growth and vital activity

Nitrogen plays an important role in almost all processes of the functioning of plant organisms:

• The formation of the roots and stem of a plant - in this process the role of the chemical element in question is fundamental.
• Leaf formation and flowering period.
• Fruit and plant growth.
• Formation of chlorophyll - a necessary element for the process of photosynthesis.
• Enrichment of fruits with proteins and beneficial compounds.

Provided there is sufficient presence of the chemical element in the soil, the plant growth process will be rapid and the quality of the crop will be high, including as a result of the increased content of amino acids and proteins.

Excess nitrogen is harmful for many crops: there is a sharp increase in root, stem and leaf mass, and the processes of flowering and fruit ripening are inhibited. The level of element concentration in the case of using artificial sources of the chemical must be controlled.

Production of nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are produced artificially from ammonia. For their production, two types of gases are used - hydrogen and nitrogen. The process of artificial production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers on an industrial scale includes the following stages:

Phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers must be applied carefully, since this group, although considered useful, will harm the plantings if handled improperly.

Area of ​​application and dosage

Before purchasing, you need to study which group of fertilizers you should choose for feeding various garden crops. If you are confused by the many names, consult a specialist at a gardening store.

Nitrogen fertilizers can be used to increase yields for all indoor and agricultural crops, except legumes, which do not require additional nutrition.

• For gardening work - 600–900 g per 100 sq. m. m.
• For feeding - 150–200 grams per 100 square meters. m.
• For foliar feeding - 25–50 g per 100 sq. m. m.

The selected dosage is dissolved in water. The resulting solution is applied to the fertilized area: either focally or over the entire area of ​​the site. To avoid getting confused by all the types, consider the most common nitrogen fertilizers.

Urea

This product is one of the most highly concentrated (nitrogen content - up to 46%) among all types. Release form: easily soluble granules. There are two types:

Ammonium nitrate

A fertilizer that is easily digestible by plant organisms and quite common in agriculture and gardening, the concentration of which is 35%. The release form is a granular substance, highly soluble in water.

It is characterized by two disadvantages:

• Vulnerability to water: saltpeter hardens when wet.
• Ignition when mixed with organic compounds or heated.

This type is used for the main application and for auxiliary fertilizing.

Ammonium sulfate

A type of nitrogen fertilizer, most suitable for feeding and feeding indoor plants. The content of the base element is 21%. Release form: powder or granules, highly soluble in water.

A disadvantage of ammonium sulfate is the strong acidification of soil layers. To reduce acidity, lime should be used. For this purpose, the use of slaked lime and ash is unacceptable: they completely neutralize the beneficial properties of the compound.

Calcium nitrate

It contains 19% calcium and 13% nitrogen. One of the types of nitrogen fertilizers, optimal for constant use on acidic soils. It can be used on any type, but the greatest effectiveness can be seen on sod-podzolic soil. Calcium nitrate is well compatible with acidic soils, but excessive use makes the substrate alkaline.

The working properties are good. Concentration level - 17.5%. The release form is granulated powder, during long-term storage of which high humidity must be avoided. Mainly used by gardeners on personal plots.

Calcium nitrate is classified as a nitrate nitrate, so if you observe the storage, application and caution when working with fertilizers of this class, it is not considered dangerous to humans. When used regularly to feed garden crops, saltpeter improves their growth and development, and is capable of removing excess manganese and metal from the soil. This property has a positive effect on the growing season of plants; plantings actively develop and receive all their nutrients from the soil.

Anhydrous ammonia

It is a colorless liquid. Well absorbed by the substrate, suitable for all plants. Does not wash out at humidity levels above 50% and heavy rains. One of the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizers (up to 80% nitrogen content). It is applied to the soil in autumn or spring with deep incorporation.

After application, anhydrous ammonia turns into a gas, which is actively absorbed by colloids and moisture, forming ammonium hydroxide. Interacting with the soil solution, ammonium leaves various salts and useful substances. At first, after fertilizing the substrate with anhydrous ammonia, the soil becomes alkalized and the reaction changes. 2 weeks after application, the soil oxidizes. To neutralize 1 quintal of anhydrous ammonia, 1.5 quintal of calcium carbonate is required.

While anhydrous ammonia is in the soil, the soil is sterilized. This measure allows you to stop the processes of decay, proliferation of microbes, and pests. After 10–15 days, the number of microorganisms is restored and nitrification resumes. If you strictly follow the rules and dosage of using the active substance, then complete nitrification ends after 4 weeks.

Anhydrous ammonia has a pungent odor and is dangerous, which necessitates increased care and precision when using it.

Aqueous ammonia

A type of nitrogen fertilizer, similar in composition to anhydrous ammonia, but less concentrated in its main component. The resulting dissolution in water suggests increased caution when using it. It is a transparent liquid, maybe with a yellow tint.

It is used for processing agricultural crops and is used on various substrates. Aqueous ammonia is also used to treat row spacing after plowing for industrial purposes. The density of the solution is 18.5–25% – 0.930–0.910 g/s.

Aqueous ammonia or ammonia water contains up to 30% active substance (nitrogen) and 70% water. If stored incorrectly, it will disappear. Several varieties are produced for use in different industries.

• A - for industry.
• B – for agriculture as a nitrogen fertilizer. To date, there is unverified information that due to the active hazard class, the product is not approved for use as a top dressing.

Aqueous ammonia is suitable for autumn plowing, and in April - for pre-sowing cultivation. Tilled crops are well fed before the growing season. After application, it is actively absorbed by colloids, so movement in the substrate is almost imperceptible. After some time, it migrates with the soil solution and becomes mobile.

At the initial stages of fertilizing, liquid ammonia can even destroy earthworms. After 2 months, it is converted into nitrates. At this time, activity in the soil improves and microorganisms are restored. To neutralize 1 quintal of ammonia water, 0.3–0.4 quintal of calcium carbonate is required.

Liquid ammonia

This is the most highly concentrated of all nitrogen fertilizers, representing a clear liquid with a persistent odor of ammonia (nitrogen concentration above 90%). Release form: liquid, must be diluted with water. Ammonia is added to the substrate in the spring or autumn season. Mainly used for industrial purposes.

Once in the soil, it is absorbed by the soil solution, absorbed by colloids, and is not washed away. Excellent for heavy and loamy soil with a humidity in the substrate of no more than 50–60%. Supersand mixtures contain 1600 kg, loamy mixtures - 2700 kg of liquid active substance per 1 ha.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers

In addition to artificial sources, you can enrich the soil with organic substances containing natural nitrogen. The main substances that can be used as natural analogues of nitrogen fertilizers are:

• all types of manure (nitrogen content 0.5-1%);
• bird droppings (concentration is up to 2.5%, the highest content is in the droppings of ducks, chickens and pigeons);
• compost heaps, especially those based on peat (contains up to 1.5% of the base component);
• compost made from household waste;
• composted green mass (especially buttercups, sweet clover, vetch and clover) - active substance content up to 0.7%;
• river and lake silt (up to 2.5% nitrogen content).

When using organic sources, care must be taken: due to the variability of composition and the presence of a large amount of impurities, excessive use of these organic substances leads to a deterioration in the quality of the soil, for example, its acidification.

A rational option for use is the combination of mineral, obtained artificially, and organic, formed as a result of natural processes, nitrogen fertilizers in the required proportion and concentration depending on the type of soil.

A large selection of types of nitrogen fertilizers makes it possible to choose the best option for all types of soil: the most concentrated formulations are used to feed substrates poor in mineral components and nitrogen. Less concentrated mixtures are used to feed plants and increase their productivity.

Indicators of nitrogen deficiency in the soil

The main indicators of a lack of a chemical element in the soil layer are:

1. 1. Slowing down the processes of growth and development of the plant organism.
2. 2. Change in the color of the foliage or the appearance of yellow spots on it.
3. 3. Formation of a red border on the leaves (typical of strawberries).
4. 4. Weak flowering and development of a small number of shoots and fruits (in indoor and decorative flowers).
5. 5. Reduction in the size of the leaf blade, falling off of shoots and set fruits (in tomatoes).
6. 6. Reduction in the size and brightness of leaves, reddening of the bark, negative reaction to adverse weather conditions (in woody forms of plants).

The use of any artificial fertilizers requires compliance with the rules and requirements for their use: the required dosage, frequency of application, necessary additional conditions. This information is contained on the packaging and in the instructions for the purchased mixture. Since the importance and role of the chemical element for plants is great, the correct and careful use of nitrogen fertilizers is an important condition for obtaining a good harvest.

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 that it is necessary to take into account the number of fertilizers applied for different soils. So, for compositions that are more depleted in nutrients, a large amount of fertilizers and the regularity of their application are required, 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, and 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.

Although 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 also 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 for machine fertilization of 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 yourself on soils with a high level of 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 covered with a 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 it reacts 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, and the positive result of applying 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 an 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 from 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!

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%.

Natural organic nitrogen fertilizers can be made with your own hands: compost heaps (especially peat-based) contain a certain 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 - 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 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 fertilizing 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:

The term “nitrogen-containing fertilizers” usually causes a negative reaction among summer residents 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. Metabolic processes at the cellular level occur in plants with the participation of protein, which is a building material for cell division, the 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. Under 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, the required amount of fertilizer is determined 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 during 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 an accompanying substance 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 acidification of the soil, 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, it 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 drawback is the difficulty of transportation and storage - in sealed low-pressure aluminum containers.

Organic fertilizers

Various types of organic matter also contain nitrogen, which is used to feed plants. Its concentrations are small, 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 using organic matter alone on a personal plot 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.

Particular attention should be paid to the storage of fertilizers and under no circumstances should they be used 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.