Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers and an Introduction to Common Nitrogen Fertilizer Varieties

Nitrogen fertilizer is a fertilizer whose main nutrient is the element nitrogen. It can promote the growth of plant stems and leaves and speed up chlorophyll synthesis, making leaves dark green and plants sturdy. It is one of the most widely used fertilizers in agricultural production and home flower growing. Common nitrogen fertilizers can be divided by nitrogen form into several major categories, including ammonium nitrogen fertilizers, nitrate nitrogen fertilizers, amide nitrogen fertilizers, and long-acting slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.

Ammonium nitrogen fertilizers mainly include ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium chloride. Ammonium bicarbonate, commonly known as carbon ammonium, volatilizes easily and needs to be applied deeply and covered with soil; ammonium sulfate has good water solubility and is acidic, making it suitable for crops that prefer acidic soil. Common nitrate nitrogen fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and others. They are absorbed quickly and take effect rapidly, but during storage attention should be paid to preventing moisture and caking.

Amide nitrogen fertilizer is represented by urea, which is currently the most used nitrogen fertilizer variety. It has a high nitrogen content and is easily soluble in water. It can be applied to the soil or fully dissolved and diluted with water for watering. When regularly watered with well-rotted nitrogen fertilizer water, plants are less likely to develop yellow leaves. In addition, there are slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, whose fertilizer effect is released gently and lastingly, making them more suitable for potted plants and flower care.

When using nitrogen fertilizer, pay attention to applying thin fertilizer frequently; too high a concentration can easily burn roots and seedlings. Nitrogen fertilizer mainly promotes the growth of branches and leaves, so before the flowering period its application should be reduced and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used mainly instead; otherwise, plants tend to grow excessively and are slow to bloom. Only by reasonably combining nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium according to the growth stage can crops and flowers both grow vigorously and flower and fruit normally.