Nitrogen Fertilizers

Part 1, Section 2: Soil Fertility Management

Soil Fertility Management

FERTILIZER MATERIALS

Nitrogen fertilizers

Many different chemical and physical forms of nitrogen (N) fertilizers exist. Some of the more common fertilizer nitrogen sources are given in Table 1.2-11. The nitrogen in most farm-grade fertilizers is readily available. Some fertilizers, such as “turf-grade” fertilizers, release nitrogen very slowly. Plants can use nitrogen in one of two forms: ammonium nitrogen (NH_4⁺) or nitrate nitrogen (NO_3^-).

Ammonium nitrogen (NH_4⁺) carries a positive charge and is adsorbed onto soil particles. In this chemical form, leaching of nitrogen does not occur; however, NH_4⁺ is changed to the NO_3^- form by bacteria. This process occurs rapidly (beginning within 2 to 3 days) as the soil temperature climbs above 50°F. Complete conversion from NH_4⁺ to NO_3^- occurs within about a month of application.

Nitrate nitrogen (NO_3^-) carries a negative charge and is not adsorbed onto soil particles; it is free to be leached from the soil. Nitrate nitrogen also can be lost to the atmosphere through denitrification when soils become water saturated. The nitrogen fertilizers listed in Tables 1.2-11 and 1.2-12 contain nitrogen in either or both of these forms. Products called nitrification inhibitors can inhibit the conversion of N from the nonmobile ammonium form to the very mobile nitrate form. This can reduce the loss of N. This effect is greatest under the following conditions: N applied long before crop uptake; N applied to very coarse-textured soils, especially when significant rain is expected before crop uptake; and N applied to poorly drained soils, again especially when significant rain is expected before crop uptake. Generally, even though the products may work perfectly, there is less benefit for N applied at planting or at sidedressing time.

A long-term effect of all ammoniumbased nitrogen fertilizers is to lower soil pH. Anhydrous ammonia, urea, diammonium phosphate, and nitrogen solutions, when first applied, greatly but temporarily increase soil pH in the zone of application. Ammonia is released and can “burn” germinating seeds or seedling roots in the area of fertilizer placement. In the eventual conversion of NH_4⁺ to NO_3^-, however, an acid residue is formed. The residual acidity from the common N sources is given in Tables 1.2-11.

Acidity is a particular problem under no-till and minimum-till conditions, because the nitrogen is concentrated on the soil surface. An “acid roof” can form; the pH in the upper 1 to 2 inches may be 0.5 to 1.0 pH units lower than at deeper depths. This greatly decreases the efficiency of triazine herbicides and can negatively impact root growth. Therefore, the upper 2 inches of soil should be tested for pH regularly. For details on taking this sample, see the discussion on sampling no-till fields earlier in this chapter.

If the normal soil sample does not indicate a need for limestone, check the surface pH. If the surface pH is below 6.2, apply 2,000 pounds of calcium carbonate equivalent per acre. This should be sufficient to take care of the acidity caused by nitrogen fertilizer. As a rule of thumb, 6 pounds of limestone are required for each pound of nitrogen applied as ammonium sulfate, and 3 pounds of limestone are required for each pound of nitrogen applied as anhydrous ammonia, urea, ammonium nitrate, or nitrogen solution. The effect of manure nitrogen on soil pH is very variable. The ammonium nitrogen in all manure can lower soil pH. However, some manures, particularly poultry layer manure, may contain significant calcium carbonate which can actually increase pH over time.

The nitrogen in urea is completely water-soluble. Upon application, urea nitrogen changes rapidly to NH_4^-N. Urea nitrogen therefore is readily available to plants on application to the soil. Urea presents another problem, in that when it is surface-applied, significant quantities of nitrogen as ammonia may be lost through volatilization. These losses happen very rapidly, with most occurring within the first day or two following application and can account for over one-third of the urea N being lost within a week after application. Losses are accelerated by warm moist soils, high pH, and surface organic matter. Losses are higher on low cation exchange capacity (CEC) or sandy soils than on soils with a high CEC, a heavy clay content, or a high organic matter content. Thus, urea or nitrogen solutions (which are approximately 50 percent urea) should be incorporated into the soil by mechanical mixing or by water movement. Light tillage or one-half inch of rain usually is adequate. Non-urea N sources, such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, are not subject to volatilization under Pa. conditions.

Research also has shown that volatilization losses from nitrogen solution can be reduced significantly by dribbling the solution in a band on the surface, rather than spraying it over the entire soil surface. This can be accomplished by using drop tubes on a conventional sprayer. Urease inhibitors can also be used to effectively reduce volatilization from surface application. These are only effective on urea-containing fertilizers and will only provide a benefit if the fertilizer is not incorporated immediately by tillage or rainfall.

Urea and urea-blended fertilizers are not recommended as starter fertilizers because of possible ammonia toxicity to germinating seeds, which results in reduced plant stand.

When the different nitrogen fertilizer materials are applied properly, they give the same results per unit of nitrogen applied. For equivalent conversions of the different materials, see Table 1.2-12.