Nitrogen fertilization is an essential agricultural practice to optimize the growth and development of grasses, crops of great importance in the production of fodder for livestock. According to Fusagri (2005), nitrogen (N) is a fundamental element for the synthesis of proteins, chlorophyll and other organic compounds vital for the plant, so its availability in the soil directly influences the quantity and quality of the biomass produced.
As mentioned above, nitrogen is an essential component of proteins, which are the basis of living matter, proper nitrogen fertilization favors the development of abundant and protein-rich foliage, which improves the nutritional quality of the fodder. It helps the production of chlorophyll Chlorophyll, which is a green pigment that allows plants to perform photosynthesis, contains nitrogen, a greater amount of chlorophyll translates into a greater ability of the plant to capture solar energy and convert it into organic matter. This element stimulates the vegetative growth of grasses, increasing the production of leaves and stems.
There are several ways to apply nitrogen to grasses, firstly, there are nitrogen fertilizers among which urea, ammonium nitrate among others, the choice of fertilizer will depend on the type of soil, climatic conditions and the specific needs of the crop. The most commonly used application methods are:
Fertigation: It consists of applying the fertilizer dissolved in the irrigation water. It is a precise and efficient method, but it requires an adequate irrigation system.
Foliar application: The fertilizer is applied directly on the leaves of the plant. It is a fast method, but its efficiency may be affected by weather conditions.
Application to the soil: The fertilizer is spread on the soil and incorporated by tillage or irrigation. It is a simple method, but it can result in nitrogen losses due to volatilization or leaching.
Nitrogen fertilization, if not carried out properly, can have a negative impact on the environment, such as groundwater pollution and eutrophication of water bodies, in addition, the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers represents a significant cost for producers. It is recommended that producers take into account the following aspects:
Perform soil analysis: Before applying fertilizers, it is essential to perform a soil analysis to determine the nitrogen needs of the crop.
Select the right fertilizer: The choice of fertilizer should be based on the characteristics of the soil and the needs of the crop.
Apply the correct dose: It is important to apply the recommended dose of nitrogen to avoid losses due to leaching or volatilization.
Dividing the applications: Dividing the total dose of nitrogen into several applications throughout the crop cycle can improve the fertilization efficiency.
Consider alternatives: Explore alternatives to nitrogen fertilization, such as crop rotation with legumes and the use of organic fertilizers.
Dear readers, in conclusion, nitrogen fertilization is a fundamental tool to increase the production and quality of grasses. However, it is important to carry it out in a responsible and sustainable way, considering the environmental and economic aspects.
Thank you for reading our articles, until a next installment.
Bibliographic references
Fundación servicio para el Agricultor (2005). Pastures. Fusagri, Caracas.
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