Nitrogen and magnesium only in moderation

Too much nitrogen and magnesium in the soil is harmful to plants

07/03/2013

Just like humans, plants need nutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur and iron to survive. But it also depends on the right ratio. For example, too much nitrogen and magnesium damage the plants, such as the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Bundesverband Boden.

Nitrogen and magnesium in the soil influence the development of plants
Nutrients are vital to plants. However, only a certain amount of vegetation can be absorbed from the soil. Too many nutrients in the soil either lead to malnutrition of the plant or are washed out into the groundwater or into the rivers, where they contribute to contamination of the drinking water. Above all, too much nitrogen, phosphorus and sodium can have a negative impact on human health. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Association of Soil provide information on which nutrients plants need.

Nitrogen is therefore important for the development of plants. However, too much of it in the soil, similar to chocolate in humans, causes the plants to grow too tall and too wide, but at the same time they are too weak. It has been observed in trees that have taken in too much nitrogen from the air that they quasi „to death“ grew.

Too much magnesium has an unfavorable effect on plant growth. The nutrient is important for the formation of chlorophyll and thus for photosynthesis. Similarly, iron is involved in the formation of the natural green dye in leaves, as the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Soil Information.

Zinc also influences the growth of plants. Phosphorus plays an important role in flower formation and the development of the fruit set. Above all, potassium is responsible for the cell strength and the resistance of the plants. Sulfur and calcium are responsible for (total) metabolism. (Ag)

Picture: Didi01