Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most critical inputs for achieving the optimum yields of plants. Especially during prolonged wet field conditions or warm temperatures, Nitrogen can be lost from the soil. Now sometimes loss of nitrogen may be less severe depending upon its exposure. In such cases, Nitrogen Fertilizers are used to reduce the loss of nitrogen from the soil. However liquid nitrogen is loaded with nitrogen supplements but their application should be based upon the climatic and field conditions to maximize its effect.
Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers
1. Anhydrous ammonia
A form of nitrogen fertilizer for plants, anhydrous ammonia is made up of ammonia gas under certain atmospheric pressure. This liquid is stored, and used for various applications. When applied to plants anhydrous ammonia reacts with soil water and escapes into the air. Thus as a nitrogen fertilizer anhydrous ammonia must be injected into the soil surface. Through this ammonium attach itself to clay and organic matter, ultimately nourishing it with nitrogen.
2. Urea
Urea is a solid fertilizer with high nitrogen content. It can be applied to various types of crops. Due to its ease in storage, handling, transportation, application and convenience of blending with other fertilizers, urea is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer for plants.
3. Nitrates
Nitrate dissolves into the water in the soil and moves upwards with the movement of soil water. On rainfalls, nitrates may flow away with rainwater into the drains. This process is known as leaching and is considered a major cause of nitrogen loss from coarse sandy soils.
How to Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer
To have a clear understanding of how to apply nitrogen fertilizer to the soil and how to manage it, one needs to know the correct nitrogen rate, source, time, and the right placement. Here are a few basics which may clarify the point:
Should have an understanding of how nitrogen is used by the crop.
When does nitrogen is used by crops or when is it required by plants?
Environmental influences that affect nitrogen present in the soil or used by the crop.
How nitrogen management and water irrigation affect the leaching of nitrogen from the soil?
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