Functions, Deficiencies and Solutions for Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen (N) available to plants as nitrate (NO3 –), and ammonium (NH4 +) ions.

Functions of Nitrogen

1. N is biologically combined with C, H, O, and S to create amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
2. Amino acids are used in forming protoplasm, the site for cell division and thus for plant growth and development.
3. Since all plant enzymes are made of proteins, N is needed for all of the enzymatic reactions in a plant.
4. Nitrogen is a major part of the chlorophyll molecule and is therefore necessary for photosynthesis.
5. Nitrogen is a necessary component of several vitamins.
6. Nitrogen improves the quality and quantity of dry matter in leafy vegetables and protein in grain crops. 

Deficiencies of Nitrogen

1. Stunted growth may occur because of reduction in cell division.
2. Pale green to light yellow color (chlorosis) appearing first on older leaves, usually starting at the tips.
3. Depending on the severity of deficiency, the chlorosis could result in the death and/or dropping of the older leaves. This is caused by the translocation of N from the older to the younger tissues.
4. Reduced Nitrogen lowers the protein content of seeds and vegetative parts. In severe cases, flowering is greatly reduced.
5. Nitrogen deficiency causes early maturity in some crops, which results in a significant reduction in yield and quality

Solutions of Nitrogen

1. Once observed deficiency symptoms of Nitrogen in the field, spray Sand Urea (5 gram in one lit of water)
2. Enrich compost with free living nitrogen fixing microbes such as Azotobactor and Azospirillum.
3. Enrich Rhizobium bio-fertiliser for legume crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen
4. Apply such enriched compost every year or once in two year
5. Legume mulching also supports the Nitrogen enrichment
6. Crop Rotation with Legume crops