How to dilute nitrogen fertilizer to feed plants. Why are nitrogen fertilizers needed and what are they? Symptoms of deficiency of nitrogenous nutritional components

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:

Nitrogen fertilizers- nitrogen-containing substances that are used to increase the nitrogen content in the soil. Depending on the form of the nitrogen compound, one-component nitrogen fertilizers are divided into six groups. They are used primarily as pre-sowing fertilizers and as a fertilizer. Production is based on the production of synthetic ammonia from molecular hydrogen and nitrogen.

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Groups of nitrogen fertilizers

Depending on the nitrogen compound contained, one-component nitrogen fertilizers are divided into six groups:

• ( , );
• (, ammonium chloride);
• Amide ();
• ( , (CAS);

Nitrate fertilizers

Nitrate fertilizers contain nitrate form (NO 3 -). This group includes NaNO 3 and Ca(NO 3) 2.

Nitrate fertilizers are physiologically alkaline and shift the soil reaction from acidic to neutral. Due to this property, their use is very effective on acidic soddy-podzolic soils. Use on saline soils is not recommended.

Nitrogen fertilizers (by nitrogen forms)

Ammonium fertilizers are substances containing NH 4 + in the form of ammonium cation.

These include ammonium sulfate (NH 4) 2 SO 4, sodium ammonium sulfate (NH 4) 2 SO+Na 2 SO 4 or Na(NH4)SO4*2H2O), ammonium chloride NH 4 Cl.

The production of ammonium fertilizers is simpler and cheaper than nitrate fertilizers, since the oxidation of ammonia into nitric acid is not required.

used all over the world in irrigated agriculture for rice and cotton, especially in areas of excessive moisture, in particular in the tropics. In Russia, ammonium sulfate has been produced since 1899. It was first obtained in the Donbass, at the Shcherbinsky mine by trapping and neutralizing ammonia with sulfuric acid, which is formed during the coking of coal. The concept of this method is still used today.

obtained as a waste product from caprolac production. Effective when applied to beets and other root vegetables due to the presence of sodium. Recommended for hayfields and pastures.

Ammonium chloride (ammonium chloride)

contains a significant amount of chlorine - 67%, 24-26%. Application to chlorine-sensitive crops (potatoes, tobacco, grapes, onions, cabbage, flax, hemp) as a fertilizer or is not recommended. Ammonium chloride can be applied to chlorophobic crops only in the fall and in areas of sufficient moisture. In this case, chlorine ions will be washed out of the root layer by precipitation.

Ammonium chloride is a finely crystalline powder of yellowish or white color. At 20°C, 37.2 g of substance dissolves in 100 m 3 of water. It has good physical properties, does not cake during storage, and is low hygroscopic.

Ammonium chloride is produced as a by-product in the production of soda.

Ammonium-nitrate fertilizers contain nitrogen in ammonium (NH 4 +) and nitrate forms (NO 3 -). This group includes ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3), ammonium sulfonitrate ((NH 4) 2 SO 4 *2NH 4 NO 3 + (NH 4)SO 4), calcium ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 *CaCO 3).

contains nitrate and ammonium nitrogen in a ratio of 1: 1. It is more correct to call this fertilizer ammonium nitrate, but ammonium nitrate is a more common name. This is the most effective of single-component nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate is a ballast-free fertilizer. The cost of its transportation and application to the soil is significantly lower than that of other nitrogen fertilizers (with the exception of urea and liquid ammonia). The combination of mobile nitrate nitrogen with less mobile ammonium nitrogen makes it possible to widely vary the methods, doses and timing of ammonium nitrate application depending on regional soil and climatic conditions and the characteristics of agricultural technology for growing crops.

(ammonium sulfate nitrate, montane nitrate, lein nitrate) - a grayish, finely crystalline or granular substance of a grayish color.

The physicochemical properties of the fertilizer allow it to be successfully used in various soil and climatic conditions. Potentially acidic.

Calcium ammonium nitrate

- granular fertilizer. The ratio of nitrate and lime varies depending on the brand of fertilizer. Widely used in Western European countries.

Amide fertilizers

Amide fertilizers contain amide form (NH 2 -). Urea CO(NH 2) 2 belongs to this group. The nitrogen in urea is present in organic form as carbamic acid amide. This is the most common solid nitrogen fertilizer. It is used in all application methods, but is most effective for.

Liquid ammonia fertilizers are liquid forms of nitrogen fertilizers. This group includes liquid (anhydrous ammonia) NH 3, ammonia water (aqueous ammonia), and ammonia. The production of liquid ammonia fertilizers is much cheaper than solid salts.

contains 82.3%. This is the most concentrated ballast-free fertilizer. Externally, it is a colorless liquid. The physicochemical properties of the fertilizer vary depending on the ambient temperature. It is stored only in sealed containers, where it is separated under pressure into liquid and gaseous phases.

During transportation, containers are not completely filled. The substance is neutral to cast iron, iron and steel, but is highly corrosive to zinc, copper and their alloys.

- a solution of ammonia in water, the vapor pressure is low, does not destroy ferrous metals. Nitrogen is contained in the form of ammonia NH 3 and ammonium NH 4 OH. There is much more free ammonia than ammonium. This contributes to nitrogen losses through volatilization. Working with ammonia water is easier and safer than working with anhydrous ammonia, but due to its low nitrogen content, its use is only profitable on farms located close to the enterprises that produce it.

Ammonia

contain from 30 to 50% nitrogen. Externally, it is a light yellow or yellow liquid. Ammonia compounds are obtained by dissolving ammonium nitrate, ammonium and calcium nitrate, urea or ammonium nitrate and urea in aqueous ammonia.

Ammonia differs in the concentration of total nitrogen, in the ratio of its forms and is varied in physical and chemical properties.

Ammonia causes corrosion of copper alloys. Ammonia with ammonium nitrate also oxidizes ferrous metals. Storage and transportation of ammonia are possible in containers made of aluminum, its alloys, stainless steel or in conventional steel tanks coated with anti-corrosion epoxy resins. It is possible to use containers made of polymeric materials.

(CAS)

- a mixture of aqueous solutions of urea and ammonium nitrate. UANs have a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Externally - transparent or yellowish liquids. By changing the ratio of the starting components, different grades of UAN are obtained.

Behavior in soil

All one-component nitrogen fertilizers are highly soluble in water.

Nitrate forms

move along with the soil solution and are bound in the soil only by biological absorption. Biological absorption is active only in the warm season. From late autumn to early spring, nitrates easily move in the soil and can be washed out under leaching water conditions, which is especially typical for light soils.

In the warm season, rising moisture flows predominate in the soils. And plants and microorganisms actively absorb nitrate nitrogen.

Ammonia and ammonium

forms in the soil are absorbed by the soil complex (SPC) and pass into an exchange-absorbed state. In this form, nitrogen mobility is lost and it is not washed out. The exception is light soils with low absorption capacity.

Further nitrification processes contribute to the transformation of nitrogen into nitrate forms and its biological absorption by plants and soil microorganisms.

With urea

after its transformation under the influence of urobacteria into ammonium forms of nitrogen, the same thing happens.

Thus, nitrogen fertilizers initially or during the process of nitrification accumulate in the soil in nitrate form, which subsequently undergoes denitrification. These processes occur in almost all types of soils, and it is with them that the main losses of nitrogen are associated.

From an agronomic point of view, denitrification is a negative process. But from the environmental side, it plays a positive role, since it frees the soil from nitrates not used by plants and reduces their entry into wastewater and reservoirs.

Application on various types of soils

The effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizer application depends on the soil and climatic conditions of the region. The greatest effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers is observed in areas of sufficient moisture.

Humus-poor soddy-podzolic soils, gray forest soils, podzolized, leached chernozems

. The effect of nitrogen fertilizers is consistently positive. Moreover, with an increase in the degree of leaching of chernozems, the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers also increases.

Sandy loam, sandy soils

The non-chernozem zone experiences an acute shortage of nitrogen, so there is a high efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers here. However, under conditions of soil leaching, significant losses of nitrogen are observed, and its application is carried out mainly in the spring.

Drained peat soils

. The effect of nitrogen fertilizers is reduced, since phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are at a minimum. However, in the first years of peatland development in the central and northwestern regions of the non-chernozem zone, the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers also increases.

Podzolized and leached chernozems

the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine shows greater efficiency in the use of nitrogen fertilizers than the left-bank forest-steppe.

Leached chernozems of the European part of Russia

. There is lower efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers in the Volga region. In the Central Black Earth zone and the North Caucasus it is slightly higher.

In the steppe zone

As the climate becomes more arid, the effect of nitrogen fertilizers decreases or becomes very unstable. But under irrigation conditions, the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers increases and is even higher than that of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

Typical black soils

Moldova is characterized by large increases in yield.

Ordinary and carbonate chernozems

Moldova is characterized by lower efficiency of single-component nitrogen fertilizers.

Ordinary chernozems

steppe regions of Ukraine. Nitrogen fertilizers show significant effectiveness, but the effect is significantly weakened from west to east.

Ordinary and carbonate chernozems of the Kuban, foothills of the North Caucasus, North Azov chernozems

are characterized by a significant positive effect of nitrogen fertilizers.

Carbonate chernozems of the Rostov region, ordinary chernozems of the Volga region

. Fertilizer efficiency decreases.

Chestnut soils

. Under the best moisture conditions, a good effect of fertilizers is noted. In dry conditions, the effect of nitrogen fertilizers is weak.

Impact on crops

Nitrogen fertilizers play a leading role in increasing the yield of various agricultural crops. This is due to the role of nitrogen as an important biological element that plays an exceptional role in plant life.

A sufficient supply of nitrogen enhances the synthesis of organic nitrogenous substances. The plants develop powerful leaves and stems, and the intensity of the green color intensifies. Plants grow and bush well, the formation and development of fruiting organs improves. These processes contribute to increased yield and protein content.

However, it must be taken into account that a one-sided excess of nitrogen can delay plant ripening, promoting the development of vegetative mass while reducing the development of grains, roots or tubers. In flax, grains and some other crops, excess nitrogen causes lodging (photo) and deterioration in the quality of crop products.

Thus, the starch content in potato tubers may decrease. In sugar beet roots, sugar content decreases and the content of non-protein nitrogen increases.

When there is an excess of nitrogen fertilizers, nitrates that are potentially dangerous to human and animal health accumulate in feed and vegetables.

Obtaining nitrogen fertilizers

The production of nitrogen fertilizers is based on the production of synthetic ammonia from molecular nitrogen and hydrogen.

Nitrogen is formed when air passes through a generator containing burning coke.

Sources of hydrogen are natural gas, oil or coke oven gases.

Ammonia is formed from a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen (ratio 1: 3) at high temperature and pressure and in the presence of a catalyst:

N 2 + 3H 2 → 2NH 2

Synthetic ammonia is used for the production of ammonium nitrogen fertilizers and nitric acid, which is used to produce ammonium nitrate and nitrate fertilizers.

4.

Yagodin B.A., Zhukov Yu.P., Kobzarenko V.I. Agrochemistry / Edited by B.A. Yagodina. - M.: Kolos, 2002. - 584 pp.: ill (Textbooks and teaching aids for students of higher educational institutions).

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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 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 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 that 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 low-pressure aluminum containers.

Organic fertilizers

Various types of organic matter also contain 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 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.

All plants, including agricultural crops, require large amounts of nutrients for successful development and maturation, which are consumed from the soil in the form of various chemical compounds. And here a serious problem arises - even very fertile land is not designed for the conditions of modern intensive gardening and vegetable growing and is quickly depleted. This is especially acute for nitrogen, one of the most important substances necessary for plant development. And if the summer resident does not use any fertilizers, the quantity and quality of the harvest will certainly decrease. Nitrogen fertilizers will help you prevent this; you will find their meaning and application in this article.

Nitrogen in pure form is practically not found in agricultural crops. But at the same time, it is an essential substance for the creation of amino acids, vitamins, proteins, enzymes and other organic compounds, including chlorophyll. Therefore, without nitrogen, plant life is fundamentally impossible. Many gardeners have a well-founded question: why don’t plants absorb this chemical element from the air, which contains colossal amounts of it? The problem is that all crops, including vegetables and fruits, are unable to absorb it in its pure form, consuming nitrogen only in the form of compounds with other substances. These nitrates, nitrites and others accumulate in the top layer of soil mainly due to the activity of bacteria.

Important! An exception to the diversity of agricultural crops are legumes - during their evolution, they entered into symbiosis with nodule bacteria. These microorganisms live on the roots of peas, beans and other plants, capture nitrogen in the form of gas and release it to the plant in the form of compounds. And the latter, in turn, are used by legumes for growth and development.

The largest amount of nitrogen compounds is needed by agricultural crops during the initial period of growth, when many young leaves and shoots are formed. There at this moment such substances are contained in the highest concentration. After flowering, the situation changes - nitrogen compounds begin to accumulate not in the vegetative, but in the reproductive organs of plants, that is, in seeds and fruits - the ultimate goal of any owner of a summer cottage or personal plot. If agricultural crops received nutrients in the quantities they needed, then vegetables, fruits and berries (including with the help of nitrogen) accumulate many proteins and vitamins, which are so necessary not only for plants, but also for humans.

Accordingly, with a lack of this element, not only the quantity, but also the quality of the crop suffers. Nitrogen deficiency is recognized by the appearance of plants - blanching of vegetative organs, leaves turning yellow or red, and in some cases, partial necrosis of living tissues. In addition, the lack of this chemical element is expressed in a slowdown in growth and maturation.

The photo shows an example of nitrogen deficiency symptoms

But it is worth understanding that excess nitrogen is also harmful. If there is a similar problem, the leaves of agricultural crops turn dark green and grow significantly in size. As a result, the vegetable crop spends energy and nutrients on the vegetative organs to the detriment of the reproductive organs. Flowering occurs later, fruits become smaller and their quality deteriorates. In addition, the fruits begin to accumulate nitrates, which in high concentrations are harmful to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to use nitrogen fertilizers wisely, carefully selecting the dosage.

Nitrogen fertilizers - classification

The main feature by which nitrogen fertilizers are classified is the type of compound used with a given chemical element. You can familiarize yourself with them using the table below.

Table. Main groups of nitrogen fertilizers.

Group name	Description
Ammonium	Contain nitrogen in the form of ammonium NH4+.
Nitrate	Fertilizers in which nitrogen is presented in the form of nitrate NO3-. Outside of other compounds they exhibit the properties of alkalis.
Ammonium-nitrate	Complex fertilizers in which nitrogen is presented in the form of two compounds - ammonium and nitrate.
Amide	Contain nitrogen in the amide form NH2-.
Ammonia	Ammonia NH3 in liquid form.

Important! A separate group of organic nitrogen fertilizers should be highlighted - manure, bird droppings, humus and sapropel.

Prices for nitrogen fertilizers

nitrogen fertilizers

Ammonium fertilizers

Let's look at the two most popular ammonium fertilizers. The first one will be ammonium sulfate, also known as ammonium sulfate. Chemical formula - (NH 4) 2 SO 4. Outwardly it looks like white powder or granules ranging in size from 0.5 to 6 mm. If the fertilizer was produced as a result of a coke reaction, it may have a gray or blue tint. In the composition of ammonium sulfate, nitrogen reaches 20-21% of the total mass. The fertilizer dissolves well - 76.4 g (NH 4) 2 SO 4 in 100 g of water at a temperature of +25°C.

Once in the ground, ammonium sulfate quickly dissolves, resulting in the formation of many NH 4 + cations - positively charged ions. They, in turn, react with the SPC - the soil-absorbing complex, which is a combination of all mineral and organic chemical compounds dissolved in the upper fertile layer. The main advantage of ammonium sulfate is that the cation formed during dissolution in the soil is inactive, and therefore is not washed out by water.

Important! With constant and systematic application, (NH 4) 2 SO 4 slightly, but still acidifies the soil. Therefore, when used, 1.1-1.2 parts of chalk or lime are sometimes added to one part of ammonium sulfate. However, it is undesirable to mix such fertilizers with ash or slaked lime - the amount of ammonium cations released into the soil will significantly decrease.

Often, ammonium sulfate is used for the main application - a process that occurs in the spring before planting, or in the fall, after harvesting crops. In this case, 60-75% of the total required amount of nutrients is added to the soil. Ammonium sulfate performs especially well when used on potatoes, cabbage and radishes.

Ammonium chloride(also often called ammonium chloride) is a fine white or yellow powder. Chemical formula – NH 4 Cl. Of the total mass, the fertilizer contains 25% nitrogen and 67% chlorine. The last element significantly limits the scope of ammonium chloride - applying it in the spring before planting or during the growing season as a top dressing is dangerous, both for the crops themselves and for those who will eat their fruits. In addition, it is undesirable to use NH 4 Cl on cabbage and onions, since these vegetable plants are highly sensitive to chlorine. Fertilizer is applied to the soil exclusively in the fall, so that before the start of the summer season, the potentially dangerous element is washed out of the soil by precipitation.

Nitrate fertilizers

One of the very first nitrogen fertilizers, other than organic manure and sludge, was sodium nitrate– a grayish or white powdery substance resembling salt. Chemical formula – NaNO 3. Contains approximately 16% nitrogen of the total mass of the fertilizer. Sodium nitrate is highly soluble in water - 87.6 g per 100 g of water at a temperature of +20°C.

The fertilizer itself has alkalinity, so its use is justified on acidic soils - over time they will be neutralized and come into balance. Sodium nitrate is well absorbed by agricultural crops and is very effective in supplying them with nitrogen. But at the same time, the fertilizer must be stored in places with low humidity, otherwise it will cake over time. Sodium nitrate is used for the main application in the spring and fertilizing during the summer. It is extremely undesirable to use NaNO 3 in the fall - under the influence of precipitation, nitrogen will be washed out of the soil in large quantities and end up in groundwater, as well as in nearby rivers and lakes.

Interesting! Before the development of synthesis methods in chemical industries, sodium nitrate was extracted from natural deposits, the largest of which were located in Chile (in South America). As a result, this fertilizer is often called Chilean nitrate.

Another example of nitrate fertilizers is calcium nitrate Ca(NO 3) 2 is a substance produced in the form of an anhydrous salt or granules with hydrophobic additives. The latter option has the best characteristics for long-term storage. Calcium nitrate does not contain much nitrogen compared to other fertilizers - from 12 to 16%. Well suited for any plants - vegetables, fruit trees and flowers. Like sodium nitrate, Ca(NO 3) 2 has an alkaline effect, and therefore it makes sense to use it on soils with high acidity. It is applied to the ground immediately before sowing and during fertilizing, in dry or dissolved in water form.

One of the most common ammonium nitrate fertilizers is ammonium nitrate with the chemical formula NH 4 NO 3. Like other substances with similar properties, it appears as a white powder. Ammonium nitrate is highly hygroscopic and tends to cake over time, therefore, for ease of transportation, storage and use, it is produced in the form of granules, which include phosphate rock, gypsum and similar components.

The main advantage of ammonium nitrate is its high nitrogen content, which can reach 34%. In addition, NH 4 NO 3 is advantageous in its versatility - the fertilizer is suitable for any soil and crops, it can be used both for the main application in spring or autumn, and for regular fertilizing during the growing season of plants. Ammonium nitrate is highly soluble - 212 g of substance per 100 g of water at room temperature.

Important! Try to prevent fire in the room where this fertilizer will be stored. Ammonium nitrate can become explosive in such situations. Because of this, recently it has been sold not in its pure form, but in ready-made mixtures. At the same time, the use of the latter resolves the issue with the acidity of ammonium nitrate - lime or dolomite is most often used as the second component of the mixture.

Prices for ammonium nitrate

ammonium nitrate

A representative of the group of amide nitrogen fertilizers is urea, also known as urea. Its chemical formula is (NH 2) 2 CO. If you do not take into account ammonia liquid fertilizers, then urea is the record holder for nitrogen content - 46% of the total mass. Urea is produced in the form of white or slightly yellowish granules.

The first reaction that occurs when urea gets into the ground is the conversion, under the action of enzymes secreted by soil bacteria, into ammonium carbonate (NH 4) 2 CO 3. The further behavior of this chemical compound depends on whether the fertilizer was embedded in the soil when applied or not. In the first case, ammonium carbonate undergoes hydrolysis and decomposes into NH 4 HCO 3 (bicarbonate) and NH 4 OH (hydroxide). They, in turn, are absorbed by plants from the soil. In the second case, urea and the product of its transformation come into contact with atmospheric air and decompose into the same ammonium bicarbonate NH 4 HCO 3 and ammonia NH 3 . The latter evaporates in the form of gas, the soil loses some of the potentially useful nitrogen, and the efficiency of the fertilizer decreases.

Urea is successfully used for most agricultural crops and on any type of soil. The first effect is already detected two to three days after adding urea to the soil. During the hydrolysis of ammonium carbonate, slight alkalization is observed, then due to partial nitrification, the reaction shifts in the opposite direction - to acidification. But this does not pose a big problem, since ammonium is absorbed by plants and there is no serious shift in the chemical balance of the soil.

Urea is well suited for all major methods of adding substances to the soil. In the first case, when using urea, it is necessary to incorporate it into the soil by harrowing, otherwise a significant part of the nitrogen will evaporate in the form of ammonia. And during fertilizing, urea should be added by fertigation or, to put it simply, in liquid form along with water for irrigation.

Urea prices

urea

Ammonia liquid fertilizers

As you may have noticed, most nitrogen fertilizers appear in the form of white, with shades of gray or white, powder or granules that are applied to the soil both in dry form and in the form of aqueous solutions. But there are substances that are liquid initially. These are two fertilizers of the ammonia group - liquid and anhydrous ammonia. Their advantages are the high nitrogen content and its low cost per unit mass compared to dry fertilizers. In addition, it is very convenient to apply liquids evenly into the soil. But at the same time, they require special storage conditions and special equipment for use. As a result, liquid ammonia fertilizers are used not so much in dachas as in large agricultural complexes.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers

Organic substances are separated from mineral fertilizers, which are overwhelmingly products of the chemical industry. These include rotted manure, bird droppings, sapropel, silt and compost. The main advantage of nitrogen fertilizers is the ability to independently produce or purchase them with minimal expenditure of money.

In this case, it is necessary to do everything necessary in advance - equip pits or boxes for compost and manure, collect organic matter, etc. All this requires a lot of time and effort, and the fertilizer will not be ready immediately. In addition, manure and compost are good additions to mineral fertilizers, but they are not as effective on their own.

Important! There is a fairly significant problem associated with manure - the lack of data on the exact composition. As a result, it is almost impossible to develop an exact dosage of organic fertilizer, and in some cases crops can be underfed, and in others they can be overfed. In addition, manure often contains weed seeds - this should be taken into account.

Video - Nitrogen and nitrogen fertilizers

Norms and timing of fertilizer application

In addition to the composition of the nitrogen fertilizer, the gardener must pay attention to the rate of application of the substance to the soil. For each individual crop they differ - some plants consume more of a given chemical element, some less. And some practically do not require the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Let's distribute plants according to consumption level and present application rates in the form of a list.

1. Crops with high nitrogen consumption– from vegetables these are potatoes (except for early ripening varieties), zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin, . Berries in this category include raspberries, blackberries, cherries and plums. In addition, many flowers and other ornamental crops have a high nitrogen consumption. The norm is up to 20-25 grams of nitrogen per square meter of bed or flower bed.
2. Crops with high and medium nitrogen consumption. Vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, beets, garlic and parsley. Among fruit trees and bushes, this category includes currants, apple trees and gooseberries. Flowers of the same year differ in their average nitrogen consumption. The norm is up to 15-20 g of a chemical element per 1 m2.
3. Plants with reduced nitrogen requirements. This group includes early ripening potatoes, radishes, spinach, lettuce and pears. The consumption rate is up to 10-15 g of nitrogen from fertilizers per 1 m2.
4. Crops that require virtually no nitrogen fertilizers. These include legumes (which themselves saturate the soil with this element due to symbiosis with nodule bacteria), as well as poppy, azalea and heather.

Important! It should be understood that the above standards are indicated for nitrogen in its pure form. Since its content in fertilizers is less than 100%, make adjustments depending on the type and composition of the substance used.

Ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate and other fertilizers should not be applied to the soil immediately at 100% of the norm required by the plant for the entire period of growth and maturation. Feeding agricultural crops is usually divided into separate activities. The first and most important is the basal application, when the largest proportion of the required nitrogen is added to the soil. Depending on soil moisture, the dosage ranges from 50% to 75%. The main application is made in autumn or spring when there are no plants in the beds and is accompanied by digging and harrowing.

The remaining 25-50% of nitrogen is applied during fertilizing - regular additions of fertilizer to beds with already growing vegetable, ornamental and other crops. During this event, substances are used both dry and diluted with water. The frequency and amount of fertilizing depends on the crop for which it is used.

Over time, even the most fertile land is depleted, causing crop yields to gradually decline. This is especially true when growing potatoes. The situation can be corrected and, by the way, quite easily. You just need to add it regularly.

Applying Nitrogen Fertilizers - Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's consider two main ways of using nitrogen fertilizers for beds in a summer cottage or garden plot - basic application and fertilizing. The first event is carried out in the spring or autumn, when there are no crops in the garden yet or no longer available. At the same time, from 50% to 75% of the required amount of nitrogen is introduced into the soil, depending on its type and moisture content. Below are simple step-by-step instructions.

Step 1. Determine the total area of ​​the beds for each crop separately.

Step 2. Calculate the dosage of nitrogen fertilizers - how many grams need to be applied to each bed. The section of the article presented above will help you with this.

Important! When applying nitrogen fertilizers, do not forget about measures aimed at controlling weeds - otherwise you will end up with abundant and fast-growing unwanted vegetation in the beds.

Step 3. Wait for a humid and not too windy day.

Step 4. Prepare small containers in which the correct dosage of nitrogen fertilizer for each individual bed has been poured in advance.

Step 5. If there is vegetable or any other debris in the garden, remove it.

Step 6. As you walk over the garden, sprinkle fertilizer granules evenly over the surface.

Step 7 Then dig up the garden using a shovel, fork or walk-behind tractor with a cultivator. As a result, nitrogen fertilizers will not remain on the surface, but will be distributed in the fertile soil layer at a depth of 15-25 cm - that is, where the root systems of vegetable plants take up most of the nutrients.

The next way to use nitrogen fertilizers is regular fertilizing, carried out during the growth of vegetable, fruit and berry crops. The frequency of the event is selected depending on the type of plant. Dosage - based on how much fertilizer was applied in advance in the fall/spring and how much fertilizing is planned during the growing season of the crop.

Step 1. Determine the area of ​​the beds for each individual plant.

Step 2. Calculate the required dosages of fertilizers for the current feeding of each individual bed.

Step 3. Prepare a basin, barrel, bucket or any other container. Mix nitrogen fertilizers with water in it, and then stir everything well with a stick or rod.

Step 4. Place fertilizer dissolved in water into a watering can. The volume of liquid should correspond to the area of ​​the bed or its half, third, quarter, etc. The main thing is that fertilizers are applied evenly and in accordance with dosages.

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First of all, plants obtain nitrogen from the soil: soil microorganisms convert organic nitrogen into forms accessible to plants (the so-called mineralization process). Depending on the type of soil, nitrogen content can vary greatly. Chernozems are well supplied with nitrogen, while light sandy and sandy loam soils are extremely poor.

A smaller portion of nitrogen comes from the atmosphere with precipitation, as well as from the air with the help of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, algae and fungi.

The role of nitrogen fertilizers in plant life

Nitrogen is part of proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and other organic compounds that play a vital role in the construction of cells. Nitrogen is also contained in chlorophyll, with the help of which plants absorb solar energy.

Thus, sufficient nitrogen helps plants adapt to a new life cycle in the spring, form vegetative mass, increases resistance to pests and diseases, yield and quality of fruits.

What does nitrogen deficiency cause in plants?

With a lack of nitrogen, the growth and development of plants is inhibited, they bloom poorly, and do not set fruit well.

Signs of nitrogen deficiency: the leaves become smaller, turn yellow and dry out at the edges. Old leaves turn yellow earlier and more strongly than young ones.

Sensitive to nitrogen deficiency: all plants during the period of growing seedlings, lawn grasses, pumpkin crops (zucchini, cucumbers, melons, watermelons), raspberries. Plants need nitrogen most strongly in the spring, after waking up.

At the same time, you should not overfeed the plants, with excess nitrogen they “fatten”, that is, they build up a lot of vegetative mass to the detriment of flowering.

Timing and rates of nitrogen fertilizer application

Nitrogen fertilizers are applied starting in spring, with the onset of the first warm days (mid-April). Most nitrogen fertilizers are easily washed out of the soil, so their use in early spring is irrational. In the fall, nitrogen is excluded from fertilizing, otherwise the plants will remain overwintering with young immature shoots.

First feeding (April): 100-150 g of nitrogen per trunk circle. The norm is indicated according to active substance: thus, urea is added 200 g (contains 45-46% of the active substance), ammonium nitrate - 250-300 g (contains 30-34% of the active substance).

Second feeding (mid-May): deposited under fruit trees and shrubs, decorative ones do not need to be fed; 50-100 g (based on active substance) nitrogen per tree trunk.

Third feeding (2nd ten days of June): similar to the second, it is added to preserve the ovaries.

Starting in July, feed the plants with nitrogen. not recommended: otherwise they will not have time to prepare for winter.

The standards are indicated for trees, For bushes the norm is reduced by 2-3 times, for heather and coniferous- contribute 1/8 of the given norms. For foliar feeding the concentration is reduced by 2-3 times; It is better to use urea, because it does not burn the leaves - 5-10 g per 1 liter of water.

Types of nitrogen fertilizers

In ammonia fertilizers(ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride) nitrogen is contained in the form of ammonia with the addition of mineral acid.

Ammonium sulfate (ammonium sulfate) contains about 20.5% nitrogen and sulfur, especially suitable for sandy soils. Ammonium sulfate, unlike other nitrogen fertilizers (for example, ammonium nitrate and urea), is better fixed in the soil, is resistant to leaching, does not volatilize, is well stored, and does not caking. Ammonium sulfate acidifies the soil, so it is good to apply it to plants that prefer an acidic environment - heathers, rhododendrons, cranberries, blueberries, or add neutralizers - chalk, lime, dolomite.

Nitrate fertilizers (sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate) contain salts of nitric acid (nitrate form). Unlike ammonia nitrate fertilizers, they contain a relatively small percentage of nitrogen - about 15-16%. Nitrate fertilizers do not acidify the soil, so they can be used on any soil (including acidic). Among the disadvantages, the following should be noted: demanding storage conditions - nitrate fertilizers must be stored in a dry place in tightly closed moisture-proof containers or bags and mobility - nitrate fertilizers are easily washed out of the soil, so they need to be applied when the danger of snowmelt has passed.

Potassium nitrate is used especially widely, because due to its potassium content, this nitrogen fertilizer improves the quality of fruits. Due to the small amount of nitrogen (13%) and potassium content (44%), potassium nitrate is recommended for use during the formation of ovaries.

Amide fertilizers contain nitrogen in amide form. Among them, the most common urea (urea). This is the most concentrated of nitrogen fertilizers: pure urea contains about 46.2% nitrogen, therefore, in case of nitrogen deficiency and as a nitrogen fertilizer, urea is most often used. Urea dissolves well in water, is resistant to leaching, and, unlike ammonium nitrate, does not burn leaves when applied foliar. The disadvantage of urea is that it acidifies the soil. Urea is mixed with other fertilizers only if they are dry, and only before sieving, as it increases the hygroscopicity of the mixture. You cannot mix urea with simple superphosphate, lime, dolomite and chalk. In open air, ammonia evaporates. To avoid its loss, the fertilizer should be embedded in the soil to a depth of at least 3-4 cm. Store urea in a dry place, as it absorbs moisture well.

Ammonium nitrate - ammonium nitrate fertilizer, contains nitrogen in both forms, about 34-35%. Along with urea, it is one of the most common nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate acidifies the soil, so in acidic soils, neutralizers should be added. On waterlogged soils and with abundant watering, it can be washed out. In addition, ammonium nitrate cakes and is vulnerable to moisture, so it is stored only in dry, sealed containers. Like urea, ammonium nitrate is used for disease prevention and pest protection.

Complex nitrogen-containing fertilizers

Since plants need not only nitrogen, but also other nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, microelements), it is appropriate to use complex fertilizers. Another option is to apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as separate fertilizers.

Ammophos. Complex water-soluble phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer (phosphorus - 50%, nitrogen - 12%), where both elements are contained in an easily digestible form. Nitroammophos: nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer (phosphorus - 11-24% and nitrogen - 16-23%), suitable for use on soils with normal or high potassium content. The most responsive to the application of ammophos are potatoes, grapes and beets.

Diammofos(ammonium hydrogen phosphate, diammonium phosphate). Phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer (phosphorus - 46-50%, nitrogen - 18%). Diammophos reduces soil acidity and is used as a pre-sowing fertilizer for most vegetable crops.

Azofoska (nitroammofoska). Complex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is approximately equal) is one of the most effective mineral fertilizers, where phosphorus is in water-soluble form. Nitroammofoska can be used as a universal fertilizer on any type of soil. It is used for pre-sowing and planting application, as well as for fertilizing.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen is contained in manure (0.5-1%), bird droppings (1-2.5%), compost (up to 1.5%). To enrich the soil with nitrogen, green manure is sown - for example, legumes (lupine, clover, beans, alfalfa, sweet clover, vetch and others). Nitrogen-fixing bacteria multiply on the root nodules of these plants, which absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it into forms accessible to plants. When the plants have gained a sufficient amount of green mass, they are mowed and buried in the ground to a depth of 5-7 cm, or pruned at a depth of 2-3 cm so that the roots remain in the soil, and the “tops” are left on the surface as mulch.