How to Use Nitrogen Fertilizer with Sprayers: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying nitrogen fertilizer through spraying is one of the most efficient ways to supply crops with quick-acting nutrients. Sprayers allow uniform coverage, precision in dosage, and integration with other crop nutrition products. Whether you are working with cereals, vegetables, or fruit crops, mastering the correct preparation, calibration, and timing of sprays ensures maximum return on investment and healthier plants.

In this guide, we will cover every detail you need to know about using nitrogen fertilizer with sprayers—from solution preparation to nozzle selection, calibration, and safety. You will also find references to advanced nutrition solutions such as YaraFert products, which help balance crop nutrition with additional trace elements.


Preparing nitrogen fertilizer solutions for spraying

The first step to successful foliar or soil-applied spraying is preparing a balanced nitrogen solution that dissolves efficiently and remains stable during application. Using the right formulations avoids nozzle clogging and ensures nutrient uptake.

When preparing nitrogen fertilizer solutions:

  • Always dissolve fertilizers in clean, neutral pH water to avoid precipitation.
  • Mix slowly and continuously agitate to prevent settling, especially with suspension fertilizers.
  • Add micronutrient blends (like SULFOMIX, which contains Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B along with 11% sulfur) for synergistic crop support.
  • Incorporate organic-rich products such as Biofast (12-12-12 with humic and fulvic acids) to improve nutrient absorption and stimulate root and leaf activity.

Example preparation sequence for nitrogen fertilizer spraying:

  1. Fill half the tank with water.
  2. Add the nitrogen-based product (e.g., SULPHOMIN, containing 45% nitrogen and 15% sulfur).
  3. Mix trace element suspensions (like Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE) if crop-specific deficiencies are common.
  4. Top up with water and ensure constant agitation.

This preparation not only ensures uniform distribution but also allows farmers to integrate YaraFert solutions alongside nitrogen, optimizing plant growth.


Selecting nozzles for liquid nitrogen fertilizer

Choosing the correct nozzle directly affects fertilizer coverage, droplet size, and crop safety. A mismatch can lead to leaf burn, poor distribution, or nutrient runoff.

Here are the main nozzle considerations when applying nitrogen fertilizer:

  • Flat fan nozzles: Provide fine coverage, ideal for foliar sprays of nitrogen solutions.
  • Flood nozzles: Better for soil-directed applications where uniformity on the ground matters.
  • Air induction nozzles: Reduce drift by producing larger droplets, useful for windy conditions.
  • Stainless steel or ceramic tips: More durable when spraying suspension fertilizers such as Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE.

When using Ugarit K-T-S 25 (36% K?O + 25% sulfur) or CALCIMAG (15% nitrogen with calcium and magnesium), nozzle selection ensures that nutrients are evenly delivered without risk of scorching leaves.


Calibrating sprayers for nitrogen fertilizer accuracy

Calibration ensures that the sprayer delivers the correct amount of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare. Over-application can damage crops, while under-application wastes resources and limits yield potential.

To calibrate your sprayer for nitrogen-based solutions, follow these steps:

  1. Check the flow rate of each nozzle using clean water before filling with fertilizer.
  2. Measure sprayer speed to calculate application rate per hectare.
  3. Adjust pressure settings depending on fertilizer viscosity (e.g., suspensions like Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE may require higher pressure than liquids like Ugarit Cereal with 15% nitrogen).
  4. Test run on a small section of the field to ensure uniform distribution.

Farmers often combine calibration checks with crop-specific product selections. For instance, using Ugarit Strawberry (20% P?O? and 25% K?O) together with nitrogen requires precision to avoid overloading plants with nutrients.


Safety tips for spraying nitrogen fertilizer

Spraying nitrogen fertilizer involves handling concentrated chemical solutions that may irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory systems. Following strict safety measures protects workers and ensures compliance with agricultural regulations.

Before handling and applying nitrogen sprays, always:

  • Wear protective clothing including gloves, goggles, and masks.
  • Mix fertilizers in ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes, especially when using phosphoric acid-based solutions like Phosphoric Acid 85% w/v.
  • Avoid spraying during high winds or intense sun to reduce drift and leaf burn.
  • Wash sprayers thoroughly after each application to prevent chemical buildup, especially when alternating between products like Ugarit DKP and sulfur-rich solutions such as Sulforex 80 + S.
  • Store products like SULPHOMIN and Ugarit Multi in cool, dry conditions to maintain stability.

Safety measures are not only about operator health—they also protect crops from phytotoxicity and ensure fertilizers remain effective.


Foliar spray timing with nitrogen fertilizer

Timing is everything when applying nitrogen fertilizer via foliar sprays. Plants absorb nitrogen most effectively at specific growth stages, and mistimed applications can result in wasted resources.

General timing guidelines for foliar nitrogen sprays:

  • Early vegetative stage: Apply products like CALCIMAG to support initial leaf expansion and chlorophyll development.
  • Pre-flowering stage: Use balanced solutions such as Biofast (12-12-12) to boost energy and enhance flower formation.
  • Grain filling or fruit bulking stage: Apply Ugarit Cereal (15% nitrogen + copper) to strengthen protein synthesis and yield quality.
  • Post-harvest sprays: Some perennial crops benefit from light nitrogen sprays combined with trace elements (e.g., Ugarit Grapes or Ugarit Beet) to replenish reserves.

By synchronizing nitrogen application with crop physiology, farmers maximize uptake efficiency. YaraFert foliar blends, for instance, are designed to match crop demand windows, making nitrogen delivery highly effective.


Final Thoughts

Using nitrogen fertilizer with sprayers is not just about feeding plants—it is about precision, timing, and balance. From preparing solutions correctly and selecting the right nozzle, to calibrating equipment and following safety protocols, every step impacts crop yield and sustainability.

By integrating solutions such as SULFOMIX, SULPHOMIN, CALCIMAG, or multi-nutrient blends like Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE, farmers can provide not only nitrogen but also essential supporting elements. Meanwhile, YaraFert products remain a trusted option for delivering balanced nutrition tailored to crop needs.

If you are looking to optimize your fertilizer strategy with high-quality nitrogen fertilizer solutions, explore our full range of products, including advanced YaraFert foliar blends and crop-specific formulas like Ugarit Cereal and Biofast.

? Contact our team today for personalized advice on nutrient programs, or visit our website to discover how our solutions can transform your crop performance.



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