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The Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizers supply only nitrogen to the soil and hence are also called N--type fertilizers. These are single fertilizers, since they only supply one element (i.e. nitrogen) to the soil or plant. The addition of nitrogen to the soil helps in the rapid and healthy growth of the plants and thus improves the yields of the crops. It also increases the protein content in the crops, and the food value of the crops is also increased.

  1. Basic Calcium Nitrate

    • Basic calcium nitrate is also known as "nitrate of lime" or "Norwegian saltpetre." This nitrogen fertilizer is highly deliquescent and very soluble in water. It is a source of calcium and nitrogen for plants. This fertilizer is directly assimilated by plants. Because it is less deliquescent than ordinary calcium nitrate, it is used in preference to calcium nitrate as a fertilizer. The fertilizer provides a healthy root system to the plant. With the help of this system, the plants become capable of getting a regular supply of nutrients from the soil.

    Ammonium Sulphate

    • Ammonium sulphate is the most important commercial salt of ammonia. It is used as a fertilizer. This fertilizer contains about 24-25 percent ammonia. This ammonia cannot be easily utilized by plants. When it is put into the soil, it is decomposed to give ammonia by basic matter present in the soil. Ammonia obtained this way is converted into soluble nitrates by the nitrifying bacteria present in the soil. Nitrates thus obtained are taken up easily by plants from the soil, and help in the formation of albuminoids and carbohydrates in various plants.

    Sodium Nitrate

    • Sodium nitrate is commonly known as Chile saltpetre, or Chile nitrate. It is used as a nitrogenous fertilizer. Sodium nitrate promotes early growth, as well as early maturity of the plants. The nitrogen content of this fertilizer also increases the resistance of the plants to frost and disease, and helps in the formation of high-yielding seeds.

    Calcium Ammonium Nitrate or Nitrolime Stone

    • This nitrogen compound is manufactured in India. CAN is highly soluble in water and therefore it can be assimilated by the plants very easily. It contains about 20 percent nitrogen. It is directly assimilated by plants and does not undergo any change in the soil.

    Calcium Cyanamide or Nitrolim

    • Calcium cyanamide or nitrolim is a very good fertilizer since it provides calcium and nitrogen to the soil. It is added to the soil before sowing the surface of the soil and when the plants are actually growing. It is preferred to ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate, as it is a slow-acting fertilizer. Nitrolim is very useful for the growth of plants like meadow grass, tobacco, cotton, potatoes and corn.

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