Fertilizing with nitrogen is one of the most important tasks farmers need to do in the spring to ensure their crops receive adequate nutrient levels. However, even the best-prepared farmers can make mistakes that can have a negative impact on crop yields.

In this article, we'll outline some of the most important mistakes farmers make when fertilizing with nitrogen in the spring, and give tips on how to avoid them.

Nitrogen fertilization - how, why and when

Nitrogen is a nutrient that is essential for the formation of amino acids, proteins and chlorophyll. A lack of nitrogen in the soil can lead to weaker plant growth, fewer leaves, and lower crop quality and quantity. Therefore, it is important for farmers to regularly fertilize their crops with nitrogen.

Nitrogen fertilization should be carried out at the time when plants need the most nutrients. For most plants, this is in spring, when intensive growth and development begins. However, it is worth remembering that some plants also need nitrogen fertilization at other times, such as during flowering or fruiting.

Nitrogen fertilizers can be available in granular or liquid form. The dose of fertilizer should be selected according to the needs of the plants and the level of nitrogen in the soil, which can be determined by testing the soil.

The fertilizer should be spread evenly on the soil surface and then mixed into the soil. In the case of liquid fertilizers, they should be spread evenly on the soil surface or watered directly onto the plants.

In European Union countries, nitrogen fertilization is regulated by environmental and agricultural production regulations. The main purpose of these regulations is to protect water, soils and air from the negative effects of excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.

One of the EU's most important regulations on nitrogen fertilization is the Nitrates Directive, which requires member states to protect waters from nitrogen pollution from fertilizers. The directive sets maximum permissible levels of nitrogen in waters and requirements for the use of nitrogen fertilizers to protect waters.

European Union countries are also required to implement regulations on the use of organic fertilizers, such as manure and slurry, and regulations on the prohibition of the use of nitrogen fertilizers during certain periods, such as periods of drought.

In addition, farmers must comply with regulations on fertilizer registration and labeling, as well as regulations on soil conservation and agricultural production.

It is worth remembering that these regulations may vary from one EU country to another, so it is important for farmers to be aware of and comply with local regulations.

Mistakes in choosing the right form of nitrogen fertilizer

Mistakes in choosing the right form of nitrogen fertilizer are one of the most common causes of nitrogen fertilizer failures. Farmers often make mistakes such as applying too much fertilizer, applying fertilizer too late, or using the wrong ratio of fertilizer components. Below we will discuss these mistakes in detail, and give tips on how to avoid them.

Too much fertilizer dose

Too much fertilizer is a common mistake that can lead to plant damage and soil and water pollution. Too much nitrogen in the soil can lead to soil drying and the growth of weeds that compete with crops for nutrients.

Applying fertilizer too late

Applying fertilizer too late is another common mistake. Farmers often delay applying nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to a lack of nutrients when plants need them most. This, in turn, can lead to weaker plant growth, fewer leaves, and lower crop quality and quantity.

Applying fertilizer too early

Applying nitrogen fertilizer too early is another mistake that can lead to problems in nitrogen fertilization. Applying fertilizer early can result in nitrogen being available to plants before they need it most. This can lead to fertilizer wastage and problems maintaining adequate nitrogen levels in the soil.

Early application of nitrogen fertilizer can also lead to premature plant growth, which in turn can lead to problems with disease resistance and pest resistance. Early nitrogen fertilization can also lead to weed growth and competition between plants and weeds for nutrients.

Inappropriate proportions of fertilizer ingredients

Inadequate proportions of fertilizer ingredients is another problem that often affects farmers. Nitrogen is only one of the fertilizer ingredients, it is also important to properly balance the other ingredients, such as phosphorus and potassium. Inadequate proportions of fertilizer ingredients can lead to a deficiency or excess of other components, which can negatively affect plant development.

To avoid these mistakes, farmers should conduct a thorough soil analysis to determine the needs of their plants and the level of nitrogen in the soil. It is also important to choose the right form of fertilizer and the right dose of fertilizer for the crop and soil. It's also a good idea to consult professionals and use modern technology to help choose the right fertilizer and the right timing.

Mistakes in selecting the right moment of nitrogen fertilization

Mistakes in choosing the right timing of nitrogen fertilization are one of the most common causes of nitrogen fertilization failures. Farmers often make the mistake of choosing the wrong moment to fertilize based on the weather forecast. Below, we will discuss this issue in detail, and suggest how to avoid this mistake.

One of the most important factors affecting the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilization is the right timing of fertilization. Farmers are often guided by weather forecasts in an attempt to choose the best time to fertilize. Unfortunately, weather forecasts are not always accurate, and inappropriate timing of fertilization can lead to fertilizer wastage and plant growth problems.

For example, if a farmer fertilizes with nitrogen before it rains, the nitrogen can be diluted and washed away from the soil, leading to fertilizer wastage. On the other hand, if nitrogen fertilization is carried out after a period of drought, the fertilizer will not have a chance to be assimilated by the plants because the soil is too dry.

Our application, Meteotrack Agro, addresses these requirements. We monitor, predict and archive all the data on your field that is necessary to properly assess the appropriate timing of nitrogen fertilization.

Errors in soil preparation before nitrogen fertilization

Mistakes in soil preparation before spring nitrogen fertilization can have serious consequences for crop yields and soil health. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly prepare the soil before nitrogen fertilization to avoid these mistakes.

One of the most important factors in preparing the soil before nitrogen fertilization is the proper soil pH. The optimal pH for most crops is 6.0-7.0. If the soil pH is too high or too low, plants may have difficulty absorbing nitrogen. For this reason, before fertilizing with nitrogen, it is advisable to conduct a soil pH analysis and apply appropriate measures, if necessary, to adjust the pH to the optimal range.

Another important aspect of soil preparation before nitrogen fertilization is proper soil compaction. Soil that is too loose or too compacted can have difficulty allowing air and water to pass through, which can lead to difficulties in the development of the plant root system. In addition, in soil with inadequate compaction, fertilizer can be diluted or washed away by water, leading to fertilizer wastage.

How to avoid mistakes when fertilizing with nitrogen in spring

Mistakes in spring nitrogen fertilization can have serious consequences for yields and soil health. Therefore, it is important to avoid these mistakes by conducting proper soil analysis, consulting with experts and using modern technologies.

It is also important to take into account the principles of sustainable agriculture, which suggest a number of measures to accompany nitrogen fertilization to promote the uptake of fertilizer by the soil and plants.

First of all, nitrogen fertilization should be done with precision. Secondly, for nitrogen fertilization to be effective, proper crop rotation, selection of the right intercrops and use of certified seed are important. 

Conducting a proper soil analysis

Conducting a proper soil analysis is extremely important for proper nitrogen fertilization. Soil analysis should include soil pH, levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and other important parameters such as moisture and humus content. With this information, farmers can more accurately determine what nutrients their plants need and in what amounts.

For example, if soil analysis shows that nitrogen levels are low, farmers will know that they need to increase the dose of nitrogen fertilizer. Conversely, if ingredient levels are sufficient, farmers may choose to apply fertilizers with lower nitrogen content to avoid overdosing.

Soil testing is an important step that should be performed before each growing season, and the results should be taken into account when planning nitrogen fertilization. It is worth remembering that soil testing can be done in specialized laboratories or by using a specialized company.

Even more so, Meteotrack will help you automatically and extremely cheaply generate soil sampling maps for your field! 

Consultation with experts

Consulting with professionals can also help farmers avoid mistakes when fertilizing with nitrogen in the spring. Professionals can advise on the right timing of fertilization, the choice of fertilizer form, dosage and the ratio of ingredients. In addition, experts can help prepare the soil and adjust fertilization to weather and soil conditions.

Experts can be found in various places, such as:
 

• Scientific institutes and universities that specialize in fertilizer and agricultural research
• Companies that offer agricultural consulting services
• Agricultural associations and trade organizations
• District or regional offices of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture

It is important to pay attention to his qualifications and experience when choosing a professional. You should also ask about his working methods and previous experience with nitrogen fertilization. It is also worth asking about his approach to nitrogen fertilization and what solutions he proposes.

Use of modern technologies

The use of modern technology can also help farmers avoid mistakes when applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring. Automatic irrigation systems, systems for monitoring soil conditions, or specialized fertilizer scheduling software can help farmers more accurately control nitrogen fertilization.

Our Meteotrack Agro platform also comes to your aid, allowing you to make the right decision about the optimal time to start fertilizing.
 

How to approach it from the practical side?

What you have read about may sound like a huge and complicated project. However, it doesn't have to be that way at all!

We invite you to test our Meteotrack Agro app, which helps farmers prepare their soil for spring nitrogen fertilization. Use our NDVI map generation module to better understand the condition of your plants and adjust fertilization as needed.

Our soil sampling module allows you to accurately determine the level of plant growth in the soil and adjust fertilization as needed. 

Don't wait, use our app and enjoy a lush and healthy crop!