What is the Best Nitrogen Fertilizer?

Just like people, plants need the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. Nitrogen is one of the most important minerals for plant growth and without it they can become very sick.

Plants usually get nitrogen from the soil, but when supplies of this vital mineral have been depleted, they can suffer serious problems. So, what is the best nitrogen fertilizer to replace the content in your soil? 

You’ve come to the right place. Greenway Biotech has the specialty fertilizer you need to bring out the full potential of your crop, whether it’s a simple backyard garden or a sprawling commercial farm. Our fertilizers are free from contaminants and proven to deliver tangible results.

Let's take a look at why nitrogen matters so much to plants and how you can ensure that yours get all the nitrogen they need. Set yourself up for success with our nitrogen fertilizers today!

The Role of Nitrogen For Plants 

First things first, what does nitrogen do for plants? Nitrogen is used to make amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and DNA. Without nitrogen, plants cannot create new cells, which means that they cannot grow healthily.

A plant that has plenty of nitrogen can produce plenty of green, leafy growth, but one that does not have enough can develop nitrogen deficiency.

Common Symptoms of Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants

Plants that have a nitrogen deficiency often develop the following problems:

• Stunted growth
• Spindly plants
• Yellow leaves
• Sometimes plants have a pink tint

Don’t worry - these can all be alleviated by using the best nitrogen fertilizer. More on that in a moment. Let’s talk about the role of soil matter first.

Why Does Nitrogen Content of Soil Matter

Nitrogen is one of the most abundant minerals in nature, making up a large proportion of the air we breathe.

Bacteria take this nitrogen from the air and fix it into forms that are stored in the soil, from where plants can take it in and use it.

The problem is that heavy rain can wash nitrogen out of soil, leaving it unsuitable for growing nitrogen-demanding plants.

The amount of nitrogen in soil can also decrease over time due to plants using it up without an adequate amount of nitrogen fixation to replace it. This is why you need the best high-nitrogen fertilizer.

How to Replace Nitrogen in Soil

The best way to replace nitrogen to create soil in which plants can thrive is to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

There are many types of fertilizers that are available, so look for one that is high in nitrogen to address problems such as yellow leaves on your plants. You will probably want to choose between an organic vs synthetic fertilizer, too. 

Depending on the level of nitrogen deficiency in your soil, you might need to apply nitrogenous fertilizers regularly to bring the amount of nitrogen in the soil back up to a normal standard. Always consult the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to find out how often you should use it. 

Our advice is to start with a soil test to determine what exactly you’re working with rather than taking shots in the dark. Here at Greenway Biotech, our commercial customers are able to send us their test results so we can make recommendations and create a specialty formulation!

What is the Best Nitrogen Fertilizer?

Most plant fertilizers contain a mixture of three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These three minerals are all essential for plant growth.

Nitrogen can appear in the fertilizer's list of ingredients in the form of calcium nitrate or nitroform. Many fertilizers contain more than one form of nitrogen to ensure they bring the maximum possible benefits to the soil.

So, what is the best nitrogen fertilizer? What fertilizer is high in nitrogen? If you are looking to increase the nitrogen content of your soil, then please take a look at our nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which include:

Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0

This powerhouse for nitrogen delivery provides 21% nitrogen content for vigorous vegetative growth. The added 24% sulfur content aids in essential plant functions such as protein synthesis and enzyme activity, enriching plant metabolism and health. 

This water soluble fertilizer ensures quick absorption and immediate benefits, making it perfect for a range of environments from residential gardens to commercial farms. Its versatility extends to both soil and foliar applications, adapting seamlessly to various agricultural needs.

Crustacean Meal 4-0-0

Crustacean Meal offers a unique composition of nitrogen and calcium, derived from the shells of crabs and shrimps. It not only provides slow-releasing nutrients but also enriches the soil with chitin which promotes beneficial microbial activity and natural pest resistance. 

Its high calcium content strengthens plant cell walls, enhances fruit quality, and supports overall plant stability. The eco-friendly nature of crustacean meal makes it a perfect choice for gardeners looking to minimize their environmental impact.

Feather Meal 12-0-0

An excellent organic option that provides a steady release of nitrogen, essential for prolonged plant nourishment. With 12% nitrogen content, it supports consistent growth over the growing season. 

The product’s slow degradation rate makes it an eco-friendly choice, reducing the frequency of application and enhancing soil structure over time. Feather meal is especially suitable for organic farming, contributing to a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Blood Meal 13-0-0

Blood meal provides an organic source of high nitrogen content (13%), which is immediately available to plants for rapid green growth. This makes it ideal for nitrogen-deficient soils and fast-growing plants that require a nutrient boost. 

It's an organic fertilizer that integrates well with sustainable gardening practices, enhancing soil fertility and promoting a natural growth environment. 

Blood meal also acts as a deterrent for pests like deer and rabbits, adding an additional layer of protection for your garden - making it one of the best high-nitrogen fertilizer choices you have at your disposal.

Urea 46-0-0

Urea is the ultimate nitrogen source, offering a high concentration of 46% nitrogen. This makes it one of the most efficient fertilizers for promoting lush, vigorous growth and green foliage. 

Its granular form ensures easy application and uniform distribution, reducing labor and increasing efficiency. 

Urea’s fast-acting nature provides immediate nourishment to crops, enhancing growth rates and overall productivity, which is essential for both commercial agriculture and home gardening.

Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0

This is one of our top picks for gardeners seeking the best nitrogen fertilizer because it not only provides 15.5% nitrogen but also contains 19% calcium to strengthen cell walls and prevent blossom end rot in crops like tomatoes. This dual-function fertilizer enhances plant structure and resilience to environmental stress. 

It’s highly soluble, making it an excellent choice for hydroponic growers looking for hydroponic nutrients with quick nutrient uptake. The lack of phosphorus prevents potential environmental runoff issues, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices.

Nitroform 39-0-0

This slow-release nitrogen fertilizer offers a steady nutrient supply over 3-4 months. This minimizes the need for frequent reapplication, making it economical and labor-saving. 

It’s particularly effective for promoting strong root development and enhancing soil microbial activity, which are vital for healthy plant growth. 

The unique formulation reduces the risk of nitrogen leaching, making it environmentally friendly and safe for use around sensitive water bodies.

Tips on Applying Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer

Getting your hands on a high-quality nitrogen-rich fertilizer is just the first step. From there, you need to know how to apply it to make the most of it in your crop. Here are some tips:

Assess Soil Needs Before Application

As we said earlier, we suggest you start with a soil test to determine the nitrogen levels already present in your soil. This helps avoid the over-application of nitrogen, which can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental damage. Adjust the fertilizer amount based on the soil's deficiency and the specific needs of your plants.

Timing is Key

Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers at critical growth stages when plants can utilize the nutrients most effectively. For most plants, this includes the early stages of growth when leaf development is paramount. 

Avoid late-season application, as excess nitrogen can delay dormancy, making plants vulnerable to frost damage. You’ll be better off with high phosphorus and potassium fertilizers at this stage when you’re trying to encourage strong blooms anyway.

Proper Application Techniques

Always default to the specific recommendations of the high-nitrogen fertilizer you’ve chosen. We make our suggested application rates and frequency clear on all our solutions here at Greenway Biotech. Here are some general guidelines:

Granular Fertilizers:

• Distribution: For fertilizers like Blood Meal 13-0-0 or Nitroform 39-0-0, distribute the granules evenly around the plant, extending out to the drip line. This ensures the roots can readily access the nutrients.
• Incorporation: Work the granules into the topsoil to minimize nitrogen loss through volatilization. This method helps keep the nitrogen where the plants can use it and reduces its escape into the air.

Liquid Fertilizers:

• Foliar Application: Spray diluted solutions directly onto the leaves. This method is particularly effective for quick nutrient uptake. It’s ideal for correcting mid-season deficiencies when plants show signs of nitrogen shortage.
• Soil Drench: For fertilizers such as Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 or Urea 46-0-0 apply liquid fertilizers directly to the soil around the plants. This can be more controlled and direct, ensuring that the nutrients are available to the root system without the immediate volatilization risks posed by granular applications.

When in doubt, reach out. The last thing you want to do is do more harm than good by overapplying your fertilizer, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team.

Watering After Application

Water the soil thoroughly after applying nitrogen fertilizer. This helps dissolve granular fertilizer and push nitrogen into the soil, making it readily available for root absorption.

Additionally, watering prevents nitrogen from volatilizing into the air, ensuring that plants receive full nutritional benefits and you aren’t wasting your money.

Use Nitrogen Stabilizers

Consider using nitrogen stabilizers with fertilizers like urea or ammonium-based products. These slow down the conversion of nitrogen into forms that can volatilize or leach away, thereby enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen use by plants and reducing environmental losses.

Monitor Plant Response

Closely observe your plants after fertilizing for signs of nitrogen deficiency or excess. Remember the symptoms of deficiency we referenced earlier - these include yellowing and slow growth, while excess nitrogen might manifest as lush, green growth with few fruits or flowers. 

Adjust your fertilization practices based on these observations to maintain a balanced nutrient supply. There may be a bit of trial and error while you find the sweet spot, but you’ll get better after each application. 

Complement with Organic Matter

To improve soil structure and nutrient retention, mix organic materials like compost or manure with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Organic matter not only provides additional nutrients but also enhances the soil's ability to hold nutrients and water, making them more available to plants.

Give Your Plants the Natural Nutrition They Deserve With the Best High-Nitrogen Fertilizer at Greenway Biotech!

So, what is the best nitrogen fertilizer? As you can see, your search ends here at Greenway Biotech where you’ll gain access to a variety of solutions. Here are some of the most popular nitrogen-rich fertilizers you have at your disposal:

• Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0
• Crustacean Meal 4-0-0
• Feather Meal 12-0-0
• Blood Meal 13-0-0
• Urea 46-0-0
• Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0
• Nitroform 39-0-0

Whether you need the best fertilizer for peppers or the best strawberry fertilizer, the best tomato fertilizer, the best fertilizer for fruit trees, or the best organic fertilizer for vegetables, you can count on Greenway Biotech to deliver safe, effective solutions for your crop.

Shop today and grow your healthiest, heaviest plants yet!