Plant Food With High Nitrogen Content

Nitrogen is vital for healthy plant growth.

Like all living organisms, plants need proper nutrition to grow, to fight off disease and be healthy. Nitrogen plays a vital role in plant nutrition. A deficiency of nitrogen hinders growth and fruit and seed production. Some plants absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere, but most plants must take it from the soil.

Importance of Nitrogen

All living cells have nitrogen, including plant cells. Nitrogen is also a part of all proteins and enzymes. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants where photosynthesis takes place, also relies on nitrogen to function. Nitrogen is in plant tissues and regulates growth and development. Nitrogen is even in the plant's roots and helps the plant pull water and nutrients from the soil. Plants need nitrogen more than any other nutrient.

Fertilizer

Lawns, gardens and food crops deplete the soil of usable nitrogen. Commercial fertilizers and plant food provide nitrogen in the form of ammonium or nitrate that are readily absorbed by plants. Fertilizers are usually labeled with a three-digit code used to inform consumers of the amount of nutrients in the fertilizer. The first number indicates the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer. Fifty lbs. of a 46 -0-0 urea fertilizer is 46 percent nitrogen, which is equal to 23 lbs. of nitrogen. Because different plants have different nitrogen needs, check your plant's needs before applying fertilizer.

Releasing Nitrogen

Although the nitrogen in commercial fertilizers is an easily absorbed type, the plants may not absorb all of it immediately and residue from over-fertilizing is harmful to the environment. Fertilizers and plant foods are available in quick-, slow-, and controlled-release forms. The type of release depends on the solubility of the nitrogen in the fertilizer. The nitrogen in quick-release fertilizer is readily dissolved in water and made available to the plants immediately. To avoid over-fertilizing and environmental problems, use quick-release fertilizers sparingly. Slow- and controlled-release fertilizers delay the release of nitrogen into the soil, spreading it over time.

Application

Although nitrogen is vitally important to the growth and development of plants, high concentrations of nitrogen damages stems, roots and seedlings. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommendations, taking extra care to avoid touching young plants or exposed roots.

References

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Kids World Web Page: Plant Nutrients
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Nitrogen in the Home Landscape; Amy L. Shober; March 2011
• The Fertilizer Institute: About Fertilizer
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: The Florida Gardener's Guide to Landscape Fertilizers; Amy L. Shober; January 2009