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Use of Nitrogen in plants and crops

November 26, 2024

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Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients for plant development. However, its proper management poses a crucial challenge to ensure healthy and sustainable crops.

Today, inspired by highlighted articles on this topic, we will summarize how nitrogen benefits plants, the consequences of improper use, and the best practices to make the most of this nutrient.

The Importance of
Nitrogen in plants

Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth as it is part of proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll. It is responsible for the greenness of leaves and the robust development of crops, being fundamental in processes such as:

Photosynthesis

Without nitrogen, chlorophyll cannot form, which is crucial for converting sunlight into energy.

Protein Synthesis

Plants need nitrogen to produce amino acids, the basic units of proteins, which are essential for plant growth and development.

Cell Growth

This nutrient promotes cell division and root elongation, favoring the absorption of water and other nutrients.

Sources of
Nitrogen for the soil

The soil contains nitrogen in organic and mineral forms, but these natural reserves are usually insufficient to meet the needs of cultivated plants, necessitating the use of synthetic fertilizers, applied in forms available to the roots:

01

Nitrate (NO₃⁻)

Easily absorbed by plants but susceptible to leaching (filtering into aquifers, rivers, and seas, causing contamination).

02

Ammonium (NH₄⁺)

A more stable form, though it can be absorbed to a lesser extent under anaerobic conditions.

03

Mixed Fertilizers

Combine both forms for more balanced absorption.

Effects of Nitrogen
Deficiency and excess

Nitrogen management must be very precise to avoid imbalances that can negatively affect plants and ecosystems in general.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Symptoms: Yellow leaves (chlorosis), slow growth, reduced flower, and fruit production.
Cause: Poor soil, high concentrations of other nutrients like potassium or zinc, or root damage..

Excess Nitrogen

Symptoms: Dark green leaves, excessive but weak growth, lower resistance to pests and diseases, and delayed fruit ripening.
Impact: Increases leaching, contaminating groundwater and generating gases like nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Best practices for
applying Nitrogen

To maximize crop yield and minimize negative impacts, we recommend following these tips:

Use of Organic Fertilizers: Compost, manure, and nitrogen-fixing crops (such as legumes) are sustainable alternatives.
Slow-Release Fertilizers: Reduce nitrogen losses and release nutrients gradually.
Precision Tools: Technologies like Green Seeker sensors optimize nitrogen application according to crop needs.
Fertigation: Integrates nitrogen with the irrigation system to distribute it evenly.

The Nitrogen cycle
and sustainability

The nitrogen cycle is a natural process where this element moves from the atmosphere to the soil and back to the atmosphere in different forms. Synthetic fertilizers have altered this cycle by increasing the amount of available nitrogen, improving agricultural productivity but creating imbalances and significant environmental problems due to excessive use.

Solutions for responsible
Nitrogen use

01

Adopting agricultural practices that improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is absolutely necessary today to increase crop productivity while reducing costs and minimizing the environmental impact associated with leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.

Recommended Practices:

Fertigation: Applying fertilizers with irrigation water allows for uniform nitrogen distribution at the exact time plants need it.
Adequate Fertilization Doses: Adjust the amount of nitrogen according to the specific needs of the crop, based on soil analysis and fertilization plans. New biostimulant inputs from algae extracts and microorganisms can reduce conventional fertilization by up to 30% without affecting crop productivity. If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to learn about this success story endorsed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Fractionated Applications: Divide the total nitrogen dose into several applications throughout the crop cycle, avoiding excesses during low demand periods.

02

Promote Advanced Technologies such as biological nitrification inhibition to minimize losses.

Common sources of
Nitrogen in agriculture

Type of Fertilizer	Examples	Advantages
Ammoniacal Fertilizers	Diammonium Phosphate, Ammonium Sulfate	Lower risk of leaching.
Nitric Fertilizers	Calcium Nitrate	Rapid absorption by plants.
Mixed Fertilizers	Urea, Ammonium Nitrate	Balanced nitrogen release.

Frequently asked questions about Nitrogen for plants

What if my plant has yellow leaves?

This is usually a sign of nitrogen deficiency. It can be corrected with nitrogen fertilizers or organic nitrogen-rich compost.

How much nitrogen does a crop need?

It depends on the type of plant, its biological needs, agronomic management, and soil conditions. Extensive crops have high nitrogen requirements due to their large biomass and expected yield in large areas. Corn is one of the most nitrogen-demanding extensive crops, followed by wheat and rice.

Can I use organic nitrogen instead of chemical fertilizers?

Yes, compost and manure are excellent sustainable options that improve soil quality in the long term.

How does excess nitrogen affect the environment?

Excess nitrogen can cause water contamination through leaching and generate greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide.

Is it better to apply nitrogen before or after planting?

It depends on the crop and the type of fertilizer, but it is better to apply it in the initial stages of growth.

Are there technologies to optimize nitrogen use?

Yes, tools like precision sensors and slow-release fertilizers are effective options.

At Ficosterra, we provide sustainable solutions designed to nourish your plants and protect the environment.

Discover here how the various technologies developed by Ficosterra around the nutritional and regenerative properties of seaweed can help you improve the quality of your crops in an innovative way.

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