Knowing how to add nitrogen to soil is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your garden healthy and thriving! It’s the edge you need to help give you high yields without using synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment. Let’s look at why nitrogen matters, signs your soil is low in it, and sustainable ways you can add more.
Why Do Plants Need Nitrogen?
Simply put, nitrogen is an important component of the chlorophyll molecule, or the green pigment in plants needed for photosynthesis. This macronutrient also forms part of the amino acids and proteins in plants, supporting everything from root development to flower formation.
Alongside magnesium, nitrogen ensures that energy is available whenever and wherever it is needed for the plant to develop well. Healthy nitrogen levels in greens ensure that they grow vibrant, productive, and resilient.
Common Signs of Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants
You can tell that your plants don’t have enough nitrogen in their system through the following signs:
- Yellowing leaves, especially on older ones. This can signify chlorosis, meaning the leaves don’t have enough chlorophyll.
- Stunted plant growth or development of smaller-than-usual leaves.
- Poor fruit or flower production.
- Premature dropping of leaves.
- Delayed maturity of vegetables.
- Weak, frail stems that may collapse easily.
Testing the soil is a good way to confirm low nitrogen levels. If you’re a seasoned gardener, it’s generally recommended that you use a kit to test soil regularly so you can maintain healthy nutrients and make adjustments if and when necessary. These kits can be purchased from stores.
10 Natural Ways to Add Nitrogen to Soil
1. Animal Manure
This organic resource is among the richest, most effective nitrogen sources.
Chicken manure, in particular, is often referred to as “black gold” in gardening because it is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This makes it ideal for boosting depleted soil. However, you’ll need to compost it for several months before using it to prevent plant burn. Composted manure helps enhance moisture retention and supports soil fungi.
Aside from chicken manure, you can also use manure from cows and horses. Refrain from using manure from pigs, cats, dogs, and humans, since they may include infections that could be dangerous for you.
2. Legumes and Nitrogen-Fixing Plants
Another natural way to fix nitrogen in your garden soil is by planting legumes like beans, lentils, and peas. These plants can form symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria (rhizobia) in the soil, converting nitrogen gas to usable nitrates. This not only benefits the legumes but also the soil itself for current and future crops.
After harvesting the legumes, you can leave the roots in the soil or mulch the tops to enhance soil nutrients further.
3. Cover Crops
Using cover crops like clover and vetch is an excellent way to enrich the soil. These plants are great for slowing erosion, improving soil health, suppressing weeds, and adding nitrogen when tilled under.
You can let them grow in the soil for some time, cut and work them into the soil, and then plant your main crops after.
4. Compost
Introducing well-rotted compost to your soil provides a balanced dose of nutrients, including nitrogen. It’s a good way to improve soil moisture and boost microbes.
Composting is also a sustainable way to get rid of food scraps and garden trimmings you may have, if you choose to make your own instead of buying store-bought ones. Mix lawn or grass clippings into your compost pile for best results, as these are naturally high in nitrogen.
5. Blood Meal
Made from dried animal blood, usually from slaughterhouses, blood meal provides fast-acting nitrogen, provided you apply it sparingly. Overuse may result in too much nitrogen in your soil, harming roots.
Consider using blood meal when planting leafy crops such as lettuce, kale, corn, broccoli, and cabbage.
6. Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is made from fish byproducts. As a liquid, organic fertilizer, it has fast-acting nutrients that can boost plants' nitrogen. A great choice for leafy vegetables, though it does have a downside: a strong odor. Still, its benefits to your vegetables and flowers are substantial, and you can also buy deodorized varieties in the market.
7. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds benefit your soil in two ways: they’re rich in nitrogen and can improve soil texture. You can include them in your compost, sprinkle around plants, or dig lightly into the soil.
Avoid adding too much, as coffee grounds may limit your plants’ moisture and airflow.
8. Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa meal, made from dried alfalfa, is a plant-based option that encourages microbial activity and boosts nitrogen levels. It’s slower-acting compared to synthetic fertilizers, but it is safe for most plants and ideal for longer-term soil enrichment.
You can apply alfalfa meal as a top dressing or mix it into the soil before planting your main crops.
9. Grass Clippings
One of the best options for easily accessible, nitrogen-rich options is fresh grass clippings. Use them as a mulch layer that will slowly feed the soil as it decomposes. To prevent matting, you can either let them dry first or mix them with drier materials before using them.
10. Human Urine
Diluted human urine can be used to add nitrogen to soil thanks to its high levels of urea, a form of nitrates. It should be applied directly to the soil, not on plant leaves. However, for best results, make sure that the human source is healthy and that medications are not taken that could potentially harm the plants.
Tips and Tricks on How to Add Nitrogen to Soil Naturally
- For steady feeding that avoids nitrogen spikes, consider combining slow-release sources (like alfalfa meal and compost) with fast-acting ones (like blood meal and fish emulsion).
- Always watch for signs of too much nitrogen in the plants, such as atypically dark green leaves, rapid but weak plant growth, and pest vulnerability.
- If this occurs, you can balance this by planting nitrogen-hungry crops like tomatoes or corn, or adding carbon-rich materials to the soil like straw, sawdust, or shredded leaves.
- Regularly test your soil with a reliable kit before adding any amendments. This can help you understand your soil’s current nitrogen levels and apply only what’s needed.
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