Nitrogen fertilizers: what they are used for and how to apply them correctly

Modern agriculture is impossible to imagine without such an important component as nitrogen fertilizers. It is they that provide plants with nitrogen, without which normal growth and development are impossible. Nitrogen is the basis for proteins, chlorophyll and many other substances that determine how rich the yield will be and how high the product quality will be.

But there is one “but”: for nitrogen fertilizers to work to their full potential, it is necessary to know how to use them correctly. Mistakes in application can result in nitrogen losses, harm to the environment and wasted money. Therefore, let us figure out how to work with nitrogen fertilizers and what should be paid attention to.

Main types of nitrogen fertilizers and their features

Nitrogen fertilizers differ in the form in which they supply nitrogen to plants. Each type has its own strengths and specific features that must be taken into account. Which one should you choose? This depends on the crops you grow, the type of soil, weather conditions and your farming practices.

Here are the types of nitrogen fertilizers most commonly used in farms:

• Ammonium nitrate: nitrogen is present here in two forms — nitrate and ammonium. Plants receive a quick boost of nutrients followed by prolonged action. It works on almost all soil types and is suitable for most crops. In spring, winter crops are fertilized at a rate of 20–30 kg/ha of active ingredient, which corresponds to approximately 60–90 kg/ha of the physical weight of the fertilizer, while spring crops are fertilized as a basic application.
• Carbamide (urea): the champion in nitrogen concentration — as much as 46%! However, there is a nuance: first it must be transformed in the soil before plants can absorb it. The key factor is sufficient moisture. After spreading, it is incorporated into the soil to a depth of 5–10 cm to avoid nitrogen losses. It also works well for foliar feeding in the form of a 5–10% solution for cereal crops. Attention: for vegetable crops (cucumbers, tomatoes), much lower concentrations of 0.5–1% (50–100 g per 10 liters of water) should be used to avoid leaf burns, especially in hot weather.
• Ammonia water: a liquid fertilizer with a powerful dose of ammonium nitrogen. However, special equipment is required. On the other hand, it is distributed very evenly in the soil. It is applied under cultivation at a depth of 10–14 cm, one to two weeks before sowing, so that seeds are not damaged by high ammonia concentration.
• Ammonium sulfate: here the bonus is not only nitrogen (21%) but also sulfur (24%). This is especially valuable for rapeseed, sunflower and legume crops. In addition, it slightly acidifies the soil, which is beneficial for alkaline soils. It is particularly effective on chernozem soils with a pH above 7 for oilseed and legume crops that require additional sulfur.
• Calcium nitrate: nitrogen plus calcium in one product. The soil becomes better and the fruits become higher quality. Vegetable crops respond especially well to it. It performs particularly well when applied through irrigation systems for tomatoes, peppers and cabbage at a rate of 50–100 kg/ha — it prevents blossom end rot and significantly improves crop storage.

Understanding the properties of different types of nitrogen fertilizers makes it possible to optimize plant nutrition systems and increase resource efficiency. Choosing the correct nitrogen form ensures maximum return from applied fertilizers and minimizes losses.

Where is the best place to order nitrogen fertilizers?

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of nitrogen fertilizers, you should pay attention to Makosh — a leading importer and distributor of fertilizers in Ukraine that cooperates with the best global manufacturers. The company offers a wide range of products for various crops — from cereals and corn to vegetable and oilseed crops — providing a comprehensive approach to plant nutrition. In addition to high-quality fertilizers, Makosh provides free agronomic consulting support “Agronomist 24/7”, soil audits, convenient logistics through an extensive network of warehouses in seven regions of Ukraine, and flexible financing conditions — everything to ensure that your farm gets the maximum return from every hectare.