Q.Is A Higher Amount Of Nitrogen In Fertilizers Better Or Is A Lower Amount Better?
Hi. I am a grade 11 Pure Science student. For my Chemistry subject, I am required to compare and determine the quality of fertilizers based on their percentage by mass of nitrogen. I have picked calcium ammonium nitrate (27%), ammonium sulphate(21%) and carbamide (46%) fertilizers for my comparison project. I have also included the percentages of nitrogen in brackets as above. My question now is that is it better to use a fertilizer that has more nitrogen in them or one with a lower percentage of nitrogen. If a higher percentage is better, could you please explain why? Currently, from my own research, I have found out that plants need nitrogen to help them grow. Hence, my conclusion is that a higher percentage of nitrogen should be better, shouldn’t it? Please correct me if I am wrong. However, I do have doubts about my conclusion as there must be some catch as in risks of using huge amounts of nitrogen. Please help me with my confusion. Your help is very much appreciated. Thank you. – Sorfina

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Yes, plants definitely do need nitrogen to grow. However, too much nitrogen can also be detrimental to your crop. Too much nitrogen acts as a salt in the soil and too much salt can burn your plants. Too much nitrogen can also inhibit flower, fruit and root growth. An organic and balanced fertilizer is always the best bet.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Understanding Nitrogen Requirements For Plants https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/understanding-nitrogen-requirements-for-plants.htm