Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients found in soil, and it’s also one of the most important. Without enough nitrogen, your plants have a difficult time growing and producing the fruit, nuts, seeds or leaves that you want them to produce. There are two main types of nitrogen: Nitrogen (N) and Nitrate (NO3). The former is available to plants right away, while the latter has to be converted first by bacteria before it can be used. In order to ensure that your plants have all the nitrogen they need – whether it’s from nitrate or another source – you may want to consider using a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Fortunately, there are several fertilizers on the market that offer this. Here are some of the best:
Urea
Urea is one of the oldest and most common nitrogen-rich fertilizers. It’s made from the same substance that human urine is made from, which means it’s a completely natural source of nitrogen. Urea is generally mixed with other ingredients like ammonium sulfate, ureaform, or ammonium thiophosphate during the manufacturing process so it can be applied as a fertilizer. Urea is a popular option for vegetable gardens and fruit orchards.
Pros : Urea is one of the least expensive sources of nitrogen, so it’s a good option for anyone on a tight budget. It can also be easily applied with a fertilizer spreader.
Cons : Urea is a very water-soluble fertilizer, so it can be easily washed away by heavy rain or irrigation. It also breaks down quickly, so you have to reapply it regularly.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is another one of the best fertilizers high in nitrogen. It’s made from finely-ground corn kernels, including the molasses and other nutrients found in corn. Cornmeal also contains a source of slow-release nitrogen that lasts for several months. You can use cornmeal as a fertilizer by sprinkling it on the soil before planting your seeds or by mixing it into your existing soil. Cornmeal is a great option for anyone growing grains like wheat, barley and rye.
Pros : Cornmeal is one of the most affordable fertilizers high in nitrogen. It’s also easy to apply, since all you have to do is spread it on the soil before planting or mix it into your soil.
Cons : Cornmeal is a water-soluble fertilizer, which means that heavy rain can wash it away. You also have to apply it regularly to maintain healthy plants.
Compost
Compost is another great source of nitrogen, as well as many other nutrients. It’s easy to make at home with a compost bin, and it’s a great way to recycle kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings and coffee grounds. Compost is made from decaying organic matter like leaves, lawn clippings, and other types of plant matter. The decaying process releases nutrients and beneficial microbes into the compost, which you can then use to fertilize your plants. You can apply compost to your soil before planting seeds, or you can mix it in with your existing soil.
Pros : Compost is a natural fertilizer that contains a wide variety of nutrients. It’s also easy to make at home, and you can use it to recycle your kitchen scraps.
Cons : Compost takes time to make and requires consistent additions of carbon-rich materials to keep it going. It also takes quite a bit of space to do so.
Cottonseed Meal
Cottonseed meal is a powder that’s made from the seeds of cotton plants. It contains high levels of nitrogen, as well as other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, which are often referred to as macronutrients because plants need them in large amounts. You can use cottonseed meal as a fertilizer by mixing it with water and applying it to your soil or by sprinkling it on top of your soil. You can also add it to your compost to increase the nitrogen content. Cottonseed meal is a good option for gardens that grow many different types of plants, since it provides many nutrients.
Pros : Cottonseed meal is high in nitrogen, as well as other important nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. It’s also easy to apply to your soil, and it’s a relatively affordable fertilizer.
Cons : Cottonseed meal breaks down fairly quickly, so you have to apply it often. It also loses some of its nutritional content when mixed with water before application.
Feathermeal
Feathermeal is another type of fertilizer high in nitrogen. It’s made from the feathers of poultry, including chickens, ducks, and geese. Feathermeal also contains a wide range of other nutrients and minerals, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. You can apply feathermeal as a soil fertilizer by mixing it with water and applying it to your soil, or you can add it directly to your compost pile. Feathermeal is a good option for gardens that produce crops like lettuce, cabbages, and broccoli.
Pros : Feathermeal is high in nitrogen, as well as many other nutrients and minerals. It’s also easy to apply to your soil, and it’s a fairly affordable fertilizer.
Cons : Feathermeal breaks down fairly quickly, so you have to apply it often. It also loses some of its nutritional content when mixed with water before application.
Chicken/Poultry Manure
Chicken manure is a great source of nitrogen, as well as many other nutrients, minerals, and microbes. If you have chickens or another type of poultry, you can use their manure as fertilizer by applying it to your soil. You can also add it to your compost to increase the nitrogen content. Manure is generally safe to use, but it can contain harmful organisms like salmonella, so you have to be careful when applying it. Chicken manure is a good option for gardens that produce many different types of plants.
Pros : Chicken manure is a very high-nitrogen fertilizer that provides many other nutrients and minerals. It’s also easy to apply, and it’s a relatively affordable fertilizer. Manure also contains beneficial microbes that help plants grow.
Cons : Manure can contain harmful organisms, so you have to be careful when applying it. It also takes a long time to break down, so you have to be patient.
Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer that’s made from fish scraps and other fish waste. It’s often used as a type of organic fertilizer, though it does contain small amounts of synthetic nutrients like nitrogen. You can use fish emulsion by mixing it with water and applying it to your soil, or you can add it directly to your compost. Emulsion is a good option for gardens that produce leafy greens, like lettuce and cabbage.
Pros : Fish emulsion is a very high-nitrogen fertilizer, as well as many other nutrients and minerals. It’s also easy to apply, and it’s a relatively affordable fertilizer.
Cons : Fish emulsion breaks down fairly quickly, so you have to apply it often. It also loses some of its nutritional content when mixed with water before application.
Conclusion
Nitrogen is an essential part of life, and it’s especially important for plant growth. Without enough nitrogen, your plants may struggle to survive and produce the fruits, nuts, seeds, or leaves that you want them to produce. Fortunately, there are many different sources of nitrogen.
If you’re looking for a fertilizer high in nitrogen, there are many options available to you. Urea is one of the most common types of nitrogen fertilizers, and it’s relatively inexpensive. Cornmeal and compost are also good sources of nitrogen. If you have chickens, you can use their manure as fertilizer, and fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen, as well.
No matter which fertilizer you choose, it’s important to maintain a healthy level of nitrogen in your soil so your plants can thrive.