Understand the Soil – Nurture the Plant – Farm Smart
In the world of agriculture, Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient most closely linked to plant vitality – it helps plants grow green leaves, bloom, bear fruit, and increase yield.
Yet Nitrogen is also the most easily lost element, causing farmers to spend more while gaining less.
According to FAO (2024), only about 35% of nitrogen fertilizer applied is actually absorbed by crops; the rest is lost through volatilization or leaching.
Enfarm’s 2025 research across 30 farms in the Central Highlands revealed:
- 40% Nitrogen loss when applying urea on dry soil.
- 60% when mixed with lime or on soils with pH > 7.
- On average, each hectare can lose 20–25 million VND per year due to improper Nitrogen management.
Nitrogen – The “Life Energy” of Plants
Nitrogen enhances photosynthesis, supports leaf and stem growth, and helps form proteins and enzymes – the foundation of every growth process.
When deficient, plants grow slowly, leaves turn yellow, and fruits stay small.
When excessive, plants become “falsely lush,” more prone to pests and diseases, and produce lower-quality fruits.
The Nitrogen Cycle in Soil
Nitrogen exists in two forms:
- Inorganic (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻): readily available for plants.
- Organic: requires microbial decomposition to convert into a usable form.
In tropical humid conditions, volatilization, leaching, and denitrification occur rapidly, making Nitrogen easily lost if not applied at the right time and in the right way.
Factors Determining Nitrogen Efficiency
- Soil moisture: dry soil → volatilization; flooded → N₂O loss.
- Soil pH: pH > 7 increases NH₃ volatilization → maintain between 6.0–6.5.
- Soil structure: sandy soil leaches easily → add organic matter or biochar.
- Timing: avoid fertilizing before rain or under midday sun.
- Fertilizer type: prefer urea with urease inhibitor (NBPT).
Smart Nitrogen Management Solutions
- Apply correctly: fertilize when soil is moist, incorporate lightly or water afterward.
- Apply the right amount: base on soil or leaf analysis, or Enfarm sensor data.
- Apply at the right time:
- After harvest: restore canopy and vigor.
- Flowering – fruit set: strengthen fruit stems, reduce drop.
- Fruit development: reduce Nitrogen, increase Potassium – Calcium – Boron.
- Combine with organic fertilizers and biochar: helps soil retain NH₄⁺ better and supports microbial life.
- Use IoT & AI: Enfarm sensors provide quick readings of NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, pH, and moisture – enabling data-driven fertilization.
Recognizing Nitrogen Imbalance
| Condition | Symptom | Impact |
| Nitrogen deficiency | Yellow leaves, stunted plants, small fruits | Lower yield |
| Nitrogen excess | Dark green leaves, elongated shoots, hard fruits | Poor quality |
| High NO₃⁻ | Easily leached | Water pollution |
| High NH₄⁺ | Root toxicity | Reduced nutrient uptake |
Nitrogen – An Indicator of Soil Health
Nitrogen is not only a nutrient, but also an indicator of soil health and farming efficiency.
Proper Nitrogen management helps plants grow steadily, reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O).
According to FAO, optimized Nitrogen management can reduce emissions by 10–12% and save US$80–100 per hectare per year in fertilizer costs.
Conclusion with Enfarm
Nitrogen is the key to productivity, but also the biggest source of loss if not properly managed.
Through sensor technology and agronomic data, Enfarm helps farmers understand the soil – fertilize right – and cultivate sustainably every season.
“Each fertilizer granule, when used correctly, not only nourishes the plant, but also nurtures the future of the soil.” 🌿