Nitrogen is one of the indispensable nutrients for all plants. Despite its wealth on the planet, since it forms just over three quarters of the atmosphere gases, plants need its presence on the ground and in a way they can assimilate.
If you want to learn more about what nitrogen is for plants, continue in this ecology article in which we talk in depth about the Nitrogen function in plants.
Nitrogen function in plants – summary
Most plants cannot absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere. In fact, the only ones capable of fixing it are legumes and thanks to the collaboration of bacteria Rhizobium. Because of this, plants need to resort to nitrogen present on the ground naturallyalthough its presence is much less than in the atmosphere.
Nitrogen is fixed to the ground along different processes, passing from the atmosphere to the soil and different organisms in what is known as The nitrogen cycle. Throughout this, it goes through different states, from organic to mineral and vice versa. Plants can only absorb nitrogen in their mineral form. They do it through the absorbent hairs of their roots, thus incorporating it into their body. Regarding the function of nitrogen in plants, in broad strokes, it is a indispensable nutrient in the production of plant mass.
Nitrogen function in plants – What is it for?
Being more concrete, intervenes in the Cell division And in many other processes, such as chlorophyll productionwithout which Photosynthesis It is not possible. It is also a basic component of proteins and amino acids, as well as a large number of enzymes. In addition, it plays an important role in the production of sugars, starch and lipids, among other substances, for nutrition and other basic plants processes.
As you can see, it is not surprising that so many farmers and garden fans worry a lot about the abundance of nitrogen in their plants.
You can learn more about the nutrition process of plants with this other Ecology Verde.
Nitrogen in plants: importance – summary
As we have just seen, Nitrogen is basic in a large number of vital processes of plants. As, in addition, the vast majority of soils have a lower nitrogen concentration than what plants cultivated by us need, it becomes necessary Increase nitrogen contribution to plants. This can be done in different ways. On the one hand, there are natural paths, which are divided into biotic and abiotic:
- Biotics is that in which the contribution or fixation of nitrogen to the soil is done through microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which allow atmospheric nitrogen to degrade its mineral shape, absorbable by plants.
- Abiotics is what is given through atmospheric phenomena such as snow or rainfall, which also favor this fixation. As this route is much less controllable, agriculture is usually focused on the biotic pathway.
On the other hand, there are products made such as the nitrogen fertilizer. The nitrogen fertilizer can be of many types, from chemical or industrial to ecological and produced at home, depending on the scale to which it works. Normally the regular contribution of this type of fertilizers, in one of its many variants, is basic in almost any crop.
Learn more about the importance of nitrogen and other nutrients and elements that plants get air and soil, with this other post about what plants need to live.
Nitrogen deficiency in plants – symptoms and what to do
When A plant has nitrogen deficiencythis will usually be presented in the form of chlorosis. It is very easy to detect since, as the plant is not able to produce chlorophyll in sufficient amounts due to the lack of nitrogen, Its leaves will put yellowthey will begin to lose the green pigment and gradually shown yellow. In addition, a plant without sufficient nitrogen It will be smaller of the due and their stems will lignify before of due, that is, to dry and become woody before normal. Usually, the first leaves will be the first to show this chlorosis and yellowing, since the plant will mobilize the nitrogen that has the newer growth areas.
What to do when there is nitrogen deficiency in plants
Given these symptoms, it is necessary to take action and assess the application of Nitrogen rich fertilizers. As always, we recommend the use of ecological and organic fertilizers whenever possible, such as earthworm or bokashi, both easy to produce and very beneficial for the plant.
To learn more about nitrogen deficiency in plants, we advise you to take a look at these other articles on chlorosis in plants: what it is and how to eliminate it and yellow leaves in plants: why they come out and solutions.
Excess nitrogen in plants – symptoms and what to do
On the other hand, and as it is usually said, “everything is poison and nothing is poison, only the dose makes the poison.” Even if we talk about nitrogen, an excessive amount will not be good for our cultivation. He excess nitrogen in plants will cause a uncontrolled development in them, in which their stems will be lignified less and will have More soft parts. This is an ideal environment for the appearance of pests and diseaseswhich will be prowned in some developed plants too fast and badly.
In addition, plants will become more susceptible to environmental variations, such as moisture and temperature, so they can get sick or even die more easily. In addition, The roots will develop less for not having to grow to obtain much more nutrients and The production of fruits will be delayed and will lower its performance.
What to do when there is excess nitrogen in plants
If you detect these symptoms and believe that your plant has excess nitrogen, keep in mind that the crop itself will soon exhaust the excess of nitrogen in the soil, which simply will simply have to cut or limit the contribution of fertilizer rich in this element until the situation is normalized.
If you want to read more articles similar to Nitrogen function in plants and their importancewe recommend that you enter our biology category.
