Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth, driving processes like chlorophyll production, protein synthesis, and leaf expansion. But applying too much or too little nitrogen fertilizer can harm yields, soil health, and farm profitability. That’s why a nitrogen fertilizer dosage chart by crop type is an invaluable tool for farmers and agronomists. This guide explains how to use dosage charts effectively, reviews nitrogen fertilizer needs for common crops, and highlights how to make seasonal adjustments for sustainable farming.
How to Use a Nitrogen Fertilizer Chart for Planning
A nitrogen fertilizer chart provides recommended application rates based on crop type, soil fertility, and growth stage. Farmers can use these charts to plan dosage precisely, avoiding the guesswork that often leads to nutrient waste or deficiencies.
When using a nitrogen fertilizer chart:
- Identify crop needs – For example, cereals typically demand high nitrogen, while legumes require less.
- Check soil test results – Charts work best when paired with soil analysis to account for existing nitrogen levels.
- Match growth stages – Different stages—germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and maturity—demand varying nitrogen amounts.
- Select the right fertilizer formulation – Choose products that combine nitrogen with other nutrients like sulfur, phosphorus, or micronutrients for balanced growth.
For example, Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE (40% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 10% potassium) can be used during early vegetative growth, while CALCIMAG (15% nitrogen, 22% calcium oxide, 3% magnesium oxide) supports later stages by strengthening fruit and improving quality.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Common Crops
Different crops respond uniquely to nitrogen. While cereals thrive on high nitrogen, fruits and root crops often need balanced formulations. Here’s a breakdown:
Cereal Crops (Wheat, Corn, Barley)
- Require high nitrogen inputs for strong tillering and grain development.
- Recommended fertilizers: SULPHOMIN (45% nitrogen, 15% sulfur, 25% organic matter) for rapid vegetative growth, or Ugarit Cereal (15% nitrogen + 2% copper) to support enzyme activity.
Vegetables (Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers)
- Need steady nitrogen with phosphorus and potassium for fruiting.
- Recommended fertilizers: Biofast (12% nitrogen, 12% phosphorus, 12% potassium + humic and fulvic acids) for balanced growth, or Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE during fruiting.
Fruit Trees (Citrus, Grapes, Apples)
- Require moderate nitrogen with calcium and magnesium for fruit set.
- Recommended fertilizers: CALCIMAG to provide nitrogen and calcium simultaneously, or Ugarit Grapes enriched with copper, magnesium, and manganese for vine nutrition.
Root Crops (Potatoes, Beets, Carrots)
- Benefit from balanced nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage growth.
- Recommended fertilizers: Ugarit Beet (Zn, Cu, Mo, Mg, B?O?) alongside nitrogen fertilizers for improved root development.
Strawberries & Berries
- Prefer lower nitrogen with high phosphorus and potassium to enhance sweetness and yield.
- Recommended fertilizers: Ugarit Strawberry (20% phosphorus, 25% potassium) combined with moderate nitrogen applications.
READ MORE : Split Applications of Nitrogen: When and Why It’s Worth It
Seasonal Adjustments to Nitrogen Fertilizer Dosage
Nitrogen needs fluctuate not only by crop but also by season. Adjusting nitrogen fertilizer dosage according to climate and growth stage is critical to avoid waste and environmental risks.
- Spring – Crops demand high nitrogen for vegetative growth. Fertilizers like Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE provide a balanced supply.
- Summer – High heat increases volatilization losses. Use stabilized or slow-release nitrogen like Ugarit 10-0-5 + Organic Matter, which provides steady nitrogen release.
- Autumn – Reduced crop activity requires lower nitrogen. Complement with sulfur-rich fertilizers like Ugarit K-T-S 25 to enhance nutrient efficiency.
- Winter – For cover crops or perennials, small doses of nitrogen fertilizers maintain soil fertility without overloading dormant plants.
By fine-tuning applications, farmers optimize nutrient uptake and minimize runoff.
Avoiding Under or Overuse Using Fertilizer Charts
One of the greatest risks in nitrogen fertilizer management is imbalance—either underuse, which limits yield, or overuse, which causes lodging, nutrient leaching, and environmental damage. Fertilizer dosage charts help maintain balance.
Risks of underuse:
- Stunted growth and pale leaves.
- Low protein content in cereals.
- Poor fruit set in vegetables and trees.
Risks of overuse:
- Excessive foliage at the expense of fruits and roots.
- Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Nitrate leaching, harming soil and water quality.
With the help of dosage charts and precise formulations like Yarafert products, farmers can apply nitrogen fertilizer with confidence, ensuring both productivity and sustainability.
READ MORE: Calculating Nitrogen Needs Based on Soil Test Results
Sample Nitrogen Fertilizer Charts for Quick Reference
To illustrate how dosage charts work, here are sample nitrogen fertilizer recommendations by crop type. Actual application rates depend on soil fertility, irrigation, and climate, but these examples serve as practical guidelines.
| Crop Type | Growth Stage | Recommended Nitrogen (kg/ha) | Suggested Fertilizer Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | Early tillering | 60–80 | SULPHOMIN (N 45%) |
| Corn | Vegetative | 100–120 | Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE |
| Tomatoes | Pre-flowering | 50–70 | Biofast |
| Grapes | Fruiting | 30–50 | CALCIMAG |
| Potatoes | Tuber initiation | 40–60 | Ugarit Beet + Nitrogen |
| Strawberries | Fruiting | 20–40 | Ugarit Strawberry |
This chart shows how nitrogen dosage changes depending on crop type and growth stage. Farmers should always cross-check with local agronomic recommendations for maximum accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Nitrogen fertilizer is the cornerstone of crop productivity, but its success depends on precision application guided by reliable dosage charts. By understanding how much nitrogen each crop needs and when to apply it, farmers can improve yields, reduce waste, and protect the environment.
Products such as SULPHOMIN, Biofast, CALCIMAG, Ugarit formulations, and Yarafert solutions offer tailored nutrient packages that align perfectly with these dosage strategies. Whether you’re cultivating cereals, vegetables, fruits, or root crops, choosing the right nitrogen fertilizer and applying it according to a dosage chart ensures efficient nutrient management.
?? Take the next step today: Explore our nitrogen fertilizer solutions, contact our expert team for customized recommendations, or visit our website to access detailed nitrogen fertilizer charts tailored to your region and crops.
READ MORE; How to Use Nitrogen Fertilizer with Sprayers: Step-by-Step Guide