What Type of Nitrogen Compounds Are in Fertilizer?

All plants require nitrogen for cell maintenance and growth. However, nitrogen is often in short supply in many ecosystems, and the application of fertilizer can overcome this problem and increase plant growth.

Types of Nitrogen

Fertilizers may contain inorganic nitrogen, such as ammonium and nitrate, or organic forms like partially decomposed plant materials. Compost and peat moss are common organic fertilizers.

Uses

The majority of fertilizers are used in agricultural fields to meet the high nitrogen requirements of crops. Large quantities of fertilizers are also applied to home lawns and gardens.

Agriculture

Farms typically use ammonium- and nitrate-based fertilizers to supplement the nutrient supply in the soil. Over time, soil nutrients may become depleted and require more fertilizer applications.

Alternative Fertilizers

Composting plant material and manure provide an all-natural form of fertilizer, which meets the plant's nitrogen requirements, but it is a slower process than purchasing and applying commercially available fertilizer.

Nitrogen Pollution

Applying nitrogen in greater quantities than plants require results in nitrogen being picked up by water and moved out of the system. High nitrogen concentrations in water can lead to contamination of drinking water and harmful algae blooms in lakes and wetlands.

References

• LawnCare: Nitrogen Fertilizer for Your Lawn
• "Scientific American;" Nitrogen Fertilizer: Agricultural Breakthrough-And Environmental Bane; Sarah Simpson; March 2009