Nitrogen deficiency made worse by

  • Low or high pH soils
  • Sandy or light soils (leaching
  • ) Low organic matter
  • Drought conditions
  • High rainfall (leaching) or heavy irrigation
  • Addition or high levels of non-decomposed organic matter/manure (eg straw)
  • Fast growing crops

Nitrogen is important for

  • Better synthesis of amino acids
  • Improved formulation of co-enzymes and nucleric acids
  • Increased synthesis of chlorophyll and ATP
  • Thus improved crop vigor and development