Plant growers and flower enthusiasts often use nitrogen in cultivating and taking care of their backyard shrubs and herbs. This is one of the most important nutrients that every plant needs as it induces growth in plants, gives them the green color, aids in the process of photosynthesis, and supports the production of new plant tissues, leaves, and flowers. It is the reason why they are recognized as one of the “BIG 3” primary plant nutrients, together with phosphorus and potassium, earning them the acronym “NPK.”
Many consumers have been searching for the most effective high nitrogen fertilizers. To make this work easier, we have listed some of the best products that you can buy online. Here it is:
- Espoma Organic Winterized Fall Lawn Fertilizer 8-0-6
- GreenView Fall Lawn Food Nitrogen Fertilizer 20-0-10
- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food 30-0-6
- Dr. Earth Blood Meal Natural Nitrogen Fertilizer 13-0-0
- Down To Earth Blood Meal High Nitrogen Fertilizer 12-0-0
Now that you have acquired ideas on what nitrogen products to buy, let us delve into other important matters by knowing the uses of nitrogen and other important nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. This article will also explain the details and specifications of the best high nitrogen fertilizers and how to apply and use them in plants.
What Is the Role of NPK in Plants?
NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are three of the most important nutrients that every plant should have as they play a big role in its healthy growth and optimum development. Here are their respective uses and effects on plants:
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is involved in a variety of important plant functions. It is instrumental in the production of chlorophyll, a substance that gives a plant a green pigment. Thus, those that lack nitrogen usually have yellow leaves.
Moreover, it plays a big role in hastening the process of photosynthesis, providing substantial support in the development of plant tissues and significantly improving the growth of plants and the production of fruits and flowers. As a result, a plant has more defined flowers and flower buds, increased shoot emergence, and healthy fruits.
Phosphorus
When it comes to a plant’s DNA and RNA, phosphorus is one of the primary constituents. It is a crucial component in the development of roots and buds, formation of flowers, maturity of crops, and production of fruits and seeds.
To absorb them, the pH level of the solid must be 6.5 to 6.8. However, this substance can also be acquired from organic matter and soil organisms.
Potassium
For a plant to properly perform its overall functions, potassium is necessary for activating at least 80 plant enzymes. It enhances a plant’s vitality and regulates its metabolic processes. This results in the speedy ripening of fruits and the healthy growth of roots and flower buds.
Moreover, it improves a plant’s resistance to diseases and tolerance to varying weather and climates such as extreme heat and freezing temperatures. It also provides protection from insects and other plant pests.
Related: Best Fertilizer for Trees and Shrubs | How to Use Them?
Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers
Nitrogen fertilizers are subdivided into different types. Here are their classifications:
Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Organic nitrogen fertilizers are natural mineral sources of nitrogen that may be gathered from plants and animal manures. It may be derived from fresh or dried plant debris or excreta and litters from agricultural animals which has substantial levels of nitrogen. However, animal manure has an increased concentration of nitrogen than plant-based materials. So, the latter must be applied at higher levels.
As to animal manure, it is beneficial if it becomes aged or composted. This is because composting deters and kills various microorganisms like Salmonella and E. coli that may cause diseases to plants.
General Plant Fertilizer
These are fertilizers that have either a complete balance of NPK ratio or a slightly increased level of nitrogen than the other components. It is typically used to meet the plant’s general requirements for it to withstand and succeed in its growing period.
Lawn Fertilizer
These are fertilizers that are regularly applied on grassy and lawn areas. It enriches the green turf by making it healthy and lessens the infestation of weeds and pests. It contains a balanced level of primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and other micro-nutrients. This will improve its foliar and root growth and enhance the green color of lawns.
This fertilizer may either be:
- Time-release – Those that can give turf nutrition for several months without the constant need for reapplication.
- Gradual-release – Those that can prevent the unnecessary burning of lawns.
- Granular – Combination of time-release and granular-release.
- Water-soluble – Those that can be applied easily and quickly with the use of a water hose.
Manufactured Nitrogen Fertilizer
These are nitrogen fertilizers that are made from synthetic materials and devised by commercial manufacturers. It generally contains sufficient levels of nitrogen which may be derived from synthetic ammonia, ammonium nitrate, urea, and nitric acid. It is widely available in local stores, markets, and online shops.
Best High Nitrogen Fertilizers
If you are looking for the best high nitrogen fertilizers that are available in the market, then these are the excellent choices:
Espoma Organic Winterized Fall Lawn Fertilizer 8-0-6
If you want to efficiently prevent and lessen the growth of weeds, you should buy this product from the brand Espoma. It can avert the growth of several types of weeds, such as crabgrass and dandelions, without causing burns on your lawn and while enhancing its green color.
This product is made from 100% corn gluten meal, a natural ingredient that is safe for kids and pets. Thus, they can directly play and stay on the grass after this fertilizer is applied. It is given two times a year, specifically in early fall and in early spring when the weed seeds have not yet germinated. However, it can only be applied on an established lawn and not when it is still new.
GreenView Fall Lawn Food Nitrogen Fertilizer 22-0-10
This product from GreenView features an enhanced efficiency fertilizer for a greener and healthier lawn. It speeds up the growth of roots to hasten the absorption of nutrients and aids in the retention of water to protect your lawn from extreme heat and drought.
Satisfaction is guaranteed when you use this fertilizer as it can cover 15,000 square feet of land and can provide nutrients to your green turf for up to eight weeks. It is best applied during the fall season when the grass is in its growing period.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food 30-0-6
If you are looking for a fast and instant way of achieving a green and thick lawn, then this product from the Miracle-Gro Store is one of the best choices. It can feed all types of grass for up to 7,200 square feet of land. Also, it is water-soluble, so it can be easily mixed with liquids and sprayed into your grass spaces.
Dr. Earth Blood Meal Natural Nitrogen Fertilizer 13-0-0
This product offers a rich source of nitrogen and beneficial microbes. Its Kiln dried blood meal content is a potent source of plant nutrients that can be very useful in the healthy development of plant parts. Also, it aids in repelling deers and can be utilized as a fertilizer tea when feeding plants.
Down To Earth Blood Meal High Nitrogen Fertilizer 12-0-0
If you want a product that is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production, then this Down To Earth all-natural fertilizer is an excellent pick. It is very ideal for newly-producing fruit plants such as tomatoes, squashes, peppers, and melons and is used in vegetable gardens and outdoor places.
Moreover, it contains blood meal, a traditional organic material that facilitates the fast growth of plants and the heating up of the compost pile. It is a five-pound box that has a 12-0-0 NPK formula, with nitrogen having the highest concentration. When applying it, use 2 to 4 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil and make sure to follow the instructions to prevent the plants from burning.
Best High Nitrogen Natural Fertilizers
If you prefer organic and natural fertilizers that contain a high amount of nitrogen, then it is recommended to use the following materials:
Chicken Manure
Chicken manure contains a higher level of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic debris, and other nutrients like calcium than any other animal excreta. When composted, it acts as a source of macronutrients and micronutrients in a slow-release manner and improves the soil’s physical properties.
The organic matter embedded in chicken manure functions as an excellent soil amendment. It enhances the soil’s structure minimizes soil erosion, improves the holding capacity of the soil, lessens the leaching of fertilizers, and facilitates soil aeration and drainage. Moreover, it is a potent source of soil microbes that speed up the breaking down of nutrients into simpler forms and enhance the soil quality.
In handling chicken manure, make sure to exercise proper precautions as it may contain harmful microorganisms, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium, that may cause infectious diseases. Also, it would be better if the litter aged or composted before applying it to plants.
Bat Guano
Bat guano is a rich source of plant and soil nutrients. It has an excellent NPK formula with a 10-3-1 ratio, specifically 10% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus, and 1% potassium. It has an increased concentration of nitrogen than any other nutrients. So, it is expected that your plant will have fast and healthy growth when applied.
Not only that, but it will also condition and enrich the quality, drainage, and texture of the soil. It can make your lawn and plants healthier and greener, control the population of soil nematodes, act as an organic fungicide, and hasten the process of decomposition. Additionally, it can be applied either fresh or dried and may be used as a top dressing and soil mixture. It can also be applied as tea when incorporated into the regular watering schedule.
Alfalfa Pellets
Alfalfa pellets do not only serve as animal feed; they can also function as a fertilizer. It has at least 2% to 5% of nitrogen, which is very essential in stimulating the healthy growth of plants and their roots. It also contains other important nutrients, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are released gradually as time goes by.
Moreover, it is full of triacontanol, an organic stimulant that induces plant growth. It is best utilized as tea. This is typically done by mixing 1 cup of pellets in 5 gallons of water overnight and spraying it on plants at least once a month.
Blood Meal
If you are looking for an organic fertilizer that has high levels of nitrogen, then you should consider using a blood meal. Its NPK ratio is typically 12-0-0 or 13-0-0, which signifies that it has a bountiful source of nitrogen. Thus, this animal blood product can be very efficient in enhancing plant growth, hastening the process of photosynthesis, and providing the green color of leaves.
Moreover, it facilitates the healing of the soil that is depleted with nutrients and elevates its acidity. This can be very beneficial for plants like onions, radishes, squashes, peppers, and other vegetables. Not only that, but it is safe to use, very economical, and organic. Thus, it has fewer toxic chemicals and additives.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is a brewed liquid mixture containing nutrients, humates, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms. These ingredients, when leached into the water, can be very helpful in multiplying the soil nutrients. It can enhance the presence of predatory nematodes and mycorrhizal fungi, which will protect the plants from disease-causing microorganisms.
Moreover, it will also enable plants to yield more fruits and flowers. It can also make them grow faster, enhance their overall health and lessen the possibility of acquiring diseases from harmful pests.
The brewing process may entail 24 to 36 hours. Any time longer than the said period will increase the likelihood of developing harmful microbes like Salmonella and E. coli. Thus, the correct time interval must be thoroughly followed.
How to Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer?
The proper application of nitrogen fertilizer involves the correct nitrogen dosage, the right source and timing, and the appropriate placement of the said plant food. This is important as these factors will determine if you will be able to get the highest level of nitrogen efficiency.
- As to the amount of nitrogen that will be applied, it would depend on the stage of the crop growth. When a plant is in its late vegetative and early reproductive phases, the need for nitrogen is extremely high. Thus, it is best to apply fertilizers before or during the said period.
- As to placement, it may be applied on the plant surface or mixed with soil or water. It may then be sprayed or sprinkled on the plant or incorporated into a tea mixture.
What Is High Nitrogen Fertilizer Good For?
High nitrogen fertilizers are a perfect choice if you desire to make your plants grow faster and healthier. It aids in the completion of the process of photosynthesis and enhances the production of chlorophyll, a substance that is essential in the green pigmentation of leaves. Also, a high concentration of nitrogen will make the plant yield more fruits and healthy flowers. So, its application is truly beneficial.
Which Is the Richest Source of Nitrogen?
As to organic and natural sources, animal manure and ground-up animal parts contain the richest source of nitrogen. However, several manufacturers have now concocted fertilizers that have an abundant level of the said plant nutrient. You can choose from either organic or commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers when you plan to nourish your plants and vegetation.
Summary
When you desire to make your plants grow faster and healthier, it is recommended to use high nitrogen fertilizers. You can choose from either natural and organic fertilizers or commercially-made plant provisions which also have high nitrogen levels. These substances may be combined and applied directly to the soil or mixed with water and other materials to make it more effective.
List of Sources
A Consumer’s Guide to Understanding Fertilizers
Nitrogen Fertilisers — Improving Efficiency and Saving Money