What is nitrogenous fertilizer?

Nitrogen (N2) is a chemical element that makes up the majority of the earth's atmosphere, making it an essential element for the growth of plants and vegetation. Although it is assimilated by plants in the form of nitrate (NO3), it may still be insufficient for their growth.

In order to get better efficiency, an additional dose of nitrogen should be given to the existing nitrogen dose in the soil.

This nitrogen addition can be accomplished in two different ways:

through an organic additive (manure, dung, etc.)
through mineral additive (fertilizers containing only one main nutrient such as nitrogen, potassium sulphate or phosphate)

Nitrogenous fertilizer is a mineral made from nitrogen already present in the atmosphere and introduced into the soil.

Nitrogenous fertilizers mainly consist of ammonia (NH3), which is obtained by combining nitrogen (NH3) in the air with hydrogen (H2).

Its role in the growth of plants:

Nitrogen makes up a large part of plants' DNA. In fact, this chemical element is found in all proteins, nucleic acids and various amino acids that make up plants.

If these plants experience color changes or a sudden slowdown in growth, this may be due to nitrogen deficiency, since nitrogen is actively involved in the development of plants and vegetation, especially in their outer parts. Therefore, it is nitrogen (e.g. chlorophyll) that gives them their greenery and leaves.

Below is a list of the main nitrogen fertilizers available:

Ammonium nitrate base
Ammonium nitrate + urea
Ammonium nitrate + urea + ammonium sulfate
Urea
anhydrous ammonia
Ammonium sulfate
calcium cyanamide
Chile soda nitrate
nitrate of lime
calcium nitrate

Risks associated with the use of nitrogen fertilizer

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers inevitably brings with it certain risks and dangers. These may include risks of exposure to toxic and chemical substances or explosive materials. They can also be considered a threat to biodiversity and ecology.

Chemical risks

Ammonium nitrate, the main component of nitrogen fertilizer, can be dangerous if you are exposed to it in high concentrations (accidents are still relatively rare in the professional farming industry). Effects that may be observed following high exposure to these chemicals may include eye, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation, cough and breathing difficulties. Tears, pain, vision problems, and other corneal irritations may also occur.

Explosion and fire risks of fertilizers

The same ingredient, ammonium nitrate, is “occasionally explosive,” even though its concentration must be very high to create an explosion. This can occur if ammonium nitrate and other ammonitrates are exposed to a high-energy input (explosive projectiles or flames).

In case of fire or explosion, as nitrogenous fertilizer decomposes, toxic gases (carbon monoxide – CO, carbon dioxide – CO2, ammonia – NH3 or nitrous oxide – NxOy) and some volatile organic compounds are released.

biological risks

In addition to chemical and explosion risks, nitrogenous fertilizers pose certain threats to the environment. Nitrogen residues from nitrogenous fertilizers are believed to be partly responsible for the spread of harmful seaweeds through the process of eutrophication, which causes degradation of surface waters. Decreasing soil fertility due to acidification of the soil is also one of the side effects of using nitrogenous fertilizers. Their use also contributes to global warming due to high nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions, thus increasing the greenhouse effect. It also participates in the hole in the ozone layer.

Nitrogenous fertilizers encourage pesticide use

Excessive consumption of synthetic fertilizer (nitrogenous fertilizer) can also have negative effects on agriculture itself.

Indeed, its use in very large quantities leads farmers to use high doses of pesticides. Essentially, the more nitrogen fertilizer used on crops, the more nitrates and amino acids are stored in the leaves and tissues of the plants. But the problem is that insects are very fond of these substances and therefore they begin to multiply. Moreover, knowing that these insects can cause serious damage to crops, farmers have no choice but to use enormous amounts of pesticides to neutralize these pests.

How can you protect yourself when using fertilizer?

Nitrogen fertilizer and other pesticides etc. in the agricultural sector. It is necessary to provide adequate protection when using chemical products such as Therefore, the phytosanitary treatment mask is the most effective solution.

Half masks with safety goggles or full face masks designed to provide optimal respiratory and eye protection are available. These masks should be used with A2-P3 respiratory protection cartridges (based on activated carbon). It is also recommended to wear a microporous work suit or a chemical work suit.

Standards and regulations regarding synthetic fertilizers

Like the majority of chemicals, nitrogen fertilizer is subject to strict standards and regulations. The main standard to be followed when producing or using synthetic fertilizers is NFU 42001 of December 1981 for organo-mineral fertilizers. According to this standard, certain marking information must be mandatory on the product (see amendment A10: 2009).

These marking elements may include:

title of fertilizer
fertilizer type
The person responsible for bringing the product to market
Net supplied mass
Guaranteed contents of fertilizing elements