What is the Role of Nitrogen in Plant Growth?

Plants need various nutrients to boost their biological processes like growth, transportation, absorption, and excretion. The growth of various parts of plants such as roots, leaves, trunks etc., depends on the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen. They use nitrogen in the form of nitrates and nitrites, which is possible with the regular use of urea fertilizers. 


Nitrogen is a major component of all living things. It is a chemical element that plays a crucial role in plants by ensuring that they get the energy needed for maximizing output. Plants get this nutrient from the soil in the form of nitrates and nitrites. Nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are found in plants in the highest concentration. Many metabolic processes in plants and animals rely on nitrogen. Vital plant functions require nitrogen compounds. It is found in several parts of the plant such as grains, plant tissue, leaves, and roots. Plants use nitrogen by transforming it into soluble nitrogenous compounds in the soil.  


Role of Nitrogen in Plants


Nitrogen is one of the most essential macronutrients required for plant function. It is a major component of amino acids, which is essential for plant proteins and enzymes. These proteins are basically the structural materials of all living matter. The enzymes are required in plants to facilitate all the biochemical reactions in plants.


Nitrogen is essential for plants as it is also a major component of chlorophyll. It enables the plant to perform the process of photosynthesis, which drives plant growth and crop yield. 


Nitrogen plays a major role in plants to ensure energy optimization. Nitrogen is present in the roots as proteins and enzymes are needed to regulate water and nutrient uptake in plants. This is vital for plant growth and development.


To fulfil the requirement of nitrogen in plants, farmers use urea-based fertilizer for their nourishment. These days, farmers are using nano fertilizers for optimum usage of resources. These nano fertilizers not only give higher crop yields but are environmentally friendly. 


Why are Nitrogen Fertilizers Preferred?

Nitrogen fertilizers are chemical fertilizers used in the form of liquid. Depending on soil conditions, the form of nitrogen changes to nitrate through nitrification due to bacteria in the soil. Nitrogen fertilisers are commonly used by many farmers in India. They are divided into subgroups that include urea and ammonium nitrate. These fertilizers are generally used for non-legume crops like corn. 


When nitrogen fertilizer is applied in the form of liquid, it gets absorbed more efficiently. Since it gets absorbed more quickly into the soil, it is perfect during the rapid growth phase of the plant. Whereas dry or pelleted fertilizers are used by farmers for a slower release of nutrients. This ensures that excess fertilizer does not damage the crops. For example, if too much ammonia gets dissolved in the soil it can create a risk of burning roots. 


Nitrogen is a key nutrient needed by plants throughout their lifecycle. Considering this, it is best to use nitrogen-rich fertilisers manufactured by reliable companies. Besides this, farmers are encouraged to learn more about nitrogen-based products for their crops to gain maximum profit.