ALZON® 46 - Principle of action

Using the stable form of ammonium

In the soil, nitrogen from the ammonium or carbamide forms is subjected to nitrification. The nitrogen in the soil is further converted to nitrate via nitrite by bacteria through microbial oxidation within a comparatively short period of time. However, nitrate nitrogen carries an especially high risk of loss as it is freely mobile in the soil solution. It will thus soon penetrate in deeper soil layers, which are not accessible to the plant, especially after heavy rainfall or in wet soils, and there will be higher losses through denitrification. Moreover, the plant cannot take up the nitrogen in its nitrate form in the amount required just now. Depending on the concentration in the soil, the plant is force fed, so to say. Frequently, this will result in what is called luxury consumption, viz. temporary over-supply, with undesired effects such as lodged grain or increased pest infestation. For these reasons, when fertilizing nitrate, the nitrogen requirement must be placed in several partial dressings. This is what makes fertilizing time-consuming and costly without, however, fully eliminating the risks involved.

Controlled conversion of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen

When placing the N-stabilized fertilizers from the ALZON® product range or when applying PIADIN® in addition to slurry, the conversion of the stable ammonium nitrogen, which, however, is available to the crop at any time, to nitrate nitrogen, which carries a risk of loss, is delayed in terms of time through the admixed nitrification inhibitor. Ammonium nitrogen is fixed to the soil particles where it is available for exchange, but also to the plant, but will not be washed out. Uptake by the plant brings about the positive effects of ammonium-emphasized nitrogen nutrition. With an increasing decomposition of the nitrification inhibitor, nitrate will be made available from this ammonium reserve in the amounts required. As plants are equally able to take up nitrogen from the ammonium form or the nitrate form, this will provide the opportunity of efficient and need-based nitrogen nutrition. Ammonium nitrogen is taken up by the plant and transferred to the protein metabolism even in the roots. Uptake occurs in a harmonic equilibrium in relation to the synthesis of hydrocarbons in the sprout. According to SOMMER (2000), this optimal form of plant nutrition facilitates utilization of the protein metabolism of the crops synchronous to the intensity of the production of carbohydrate. The current nitrogen requirement of the plants and nitrogen uptake are thus in conformity with current plant growth. The sprout and roots are brought into harmonic equilibrium in their development while having largest growth potential. Moreover, nitrogen losses in the form of nitrate or nitrous oxide are reduced. Depending on the temperature, the type of soil and pH, the prevailing part of the nitrogen will remain in the topsoil layer in its stable ammonium form, which is available to the plant at any time, for four (4) to ten (10) weeks, and nitrate will be available need-based at the same time. This will result in balanced and harmonic nutrition of the plant with both forms of nitrogen, which in turn will bring about higher yields and enhanced quality.

Through these findings, it is known that the form of nitrogen prevailing in the soil will control the root formation of the plant. According to RÖMHELD (1986), ammonium-emphasized plant nutrition resulted in a much more intensive formation of lateral roots and a reduction of the pH in the rhizosphere. As a result of these processes, intake capacity of the plant for both water and nutrients will be improved. Additionally, other nutrients such as phosphor or micronutrients (e.g. Mn) will be mobilised and will be available to the plant.

Stabilized nitrogen fertilizer optimally suited to tackle climate change

Nitrogen in the right place at the right time

Owing to the delayed conversion of the ammonium nitrogen the fertilizer nitrogen will remain in the top soil layer in its stabilized form and is thus protected against the undesired shift of nitrate into deeper soil layers. In combination with ammonium-emphasized plant nutrition, this will allow to combine single nitrogen dressings, and fertilizing passes can be economized. As the stabilized nitrogen can be placed earlier and at higher dosage rates, it will be available in the right place at the right time more independently of the weather, especially in regions with dry periods in early summer as it will make use of winter moisture in the root area. This makes nitrogen-stabilized fertilizers especially suited for both, moist to and dry conditions. The plants will be nourished need-based and at the right time, and growth risks caused by the weather will be clearly reduced. This will enhance the yield and quality of the harvest products, and result in enhanced nitrogen efficiency.

Diagram: the principle of nitrogen stabilization.

References

RöMHELD, V. (1986):
pH-Veränderungen in der Rhizosphäre verschiedener Kulturpflanzenarten in Abhängigkeit vom Nährstoffangebot Kali-Briefe 18 (1) , S. 13 -30
(pH changes in the rhizosphere of different crop species as a function of the nutrient content, Kali-Briefe 18 (1), pp. 13-30)
SOMMER, K. (2000):
Cultan - Leitfaden für die Praxis, Stahlbau Küppers GmbH, S.4-12.
(Cultan – code of practice, Stahlbau Küppers GmbH, pp. 4-12)