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How does Nitrogen Help Plants Grow?

nitrogen-soilBy Joseph Mas

Nitrogen is a very important and needed for plant growth. It is found in healthy soils, and give plants the energy to grow, and produce fruit or vegetables. Nitrogen is actually considered the most important component for supporting plant growth.

Nitrogen is part of the chlorophyll molecule, which gives plants their green color and is involved in creating food for the plant through photosynthesis. Lack of nitrogen shows up as general yellowing (chlorosis) of the plant. Because nitrogen can move around in the plant, older growth often yellows more than the new growth.

Nitrogen is also the primary building block for plant protoplasm. Protoplasm is the translucent substance that is the living matter in cells. It is needed for flower differentiation, speedy shoot growth, the health of flower buds and increases the quality of fruit set. It also acts as a catalyst for the other minerals.

In a process called photosynthesis, plants use energy from the sun to change carbon dioxide (CO2 – carbon and oxygen) and water (H2O- hydrogen and oxygen) into starches and sugars. These starches and sugars are the plant’s food.  Photosynthesis means “making things with light”.

nitrogen-soil-chemistryThe primary nutrients are needed for plan growth are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These major nutrients are usually the first lacking from the soil first because plants use large amounts for their growth and survival. In addition, these elements can leach from soil naturally with the weather especially during rainy or hot seasons.

There are not always enough of these nutrients in the soil for a plant to grow healthy. This is why many farmers and gardeners have their soil tested so they know which fertilizers to use that will add appropriate the nutrients to the soil based on which types of things they grow. Too much nitrogen can cause stability issues, leaching nutrients and over-stimulating top growth. Some fertilizers use a “quick release” formulation that allow for fast greening, but provide for no long term health. Nourishing your garden or lawn strictly from fertilizers like this sends the lawn into a high-stress “starvation cycle.” Many commercially sold fertilizers contain too little slow release nitrogen, if any, or are applied in too large a quantity. The best result for your garden or lawn and the environment are achieved by applying the correct type of nitrogen, in the proper amount, at optimal times throughout the year.  How much nitrogen to apply can be found by getting your soil tested.  An accurate analysis of the elements in your soil goes a long way for a healthy productive garden and a green lawn.





Balancing your soil nutrients



Balance is key to a green thumb

Remember, if you have too little nitrogen leaves become yellow-green, the oldest showing yellowing first. Since the plant can move nitrogen, when it is low it takes it from older growth and gives it to newer growth. Growth is reduced, there will be less and smaller fruits.

If the nitrogen is too high then fruits take longer to ripen. Fruit will be soft and have short storage life. Too much nitrogen also hurts root growth and water efficiency of plants. It also will make your plants less tolerant to cold spells.

Get your soil tested by an accredited laboratory

Testing your garden soil is the best way to evaluate the fertility status of your field, garden or high tunnel before planting.  A soil test is useful in the diagnosis of plant culture problems, and it is also an important tool in improving the soil nutritional balance.  Soil tests will save you money and energy in the long run.  The analysis is designed to look for nutrient deficiencies.  Knowing then nutrient content in your soil you can then you can amend your soil appropriately based on what you are growing from tomatoes to grass.

Click here for information and to see our garden soil testing service.