Plant Knowledge Base

Research Findings

Plant-specific Information

Impact of nitrogen (N) form Fertilizers – Ammonium (NH₄): Nitrate (NO₃)

Striking a balanced application of Ammonium (NH₄) and Nitrate (NO₃) can be significant in the reduction of damage caused by either form N or simultaneously carving a niche in container production (floriculture/ornamentals).

Several factors such as bio-availability of N forms, rate, pH, light intensity, rhizosphere temperature, moisture, substrate types, water quality (alkaline vs. acidic), plant species, and the developmental stages of the plant and finished products determine the ratio, or percentage, of NH₄-N to NO₃-N. Prudent and strategic management of these factors will determine best finished quality plant products targeted by growers and also for the demanding consumer and the environment.

Cost effectiveness and increased nitrogen utilization efficiency is achieved through various proportions of NH₄: NO₃-N for optimal uptake and minimal run-off. This would be a greater contribution toward a cleaner and beautiful environment for the present and future. The plant's response to N is immediate and far much greater than any other macro and micronutrients.

Nitrogen is required in large quantities and is also the most limiting plant nutrient. Its deficiency can severely affect plant growth and reproduction processes. Providing optimum nutrient N is highly challenging and exhilarating in formulating the precise quantity of N form for optimum uptake and reducing wastage.

Plants' species preference of N form can be classified into two groups: 1) ammonium (NH₄) N-loving plants favoring more than 50% (NH₄) such as rhododendron, azaleas, blueberry, and 2) nitrate (NO₃) N-loving plants favoring more than 50% (NO₃) such roses, raspberry, apples, peaches, and cherry.

Species Preferring Ammonium-N

Species Preferring Nitrate-N

Nutrient-specific Information

Understanding Iron Deficiency in Container Plants