Nitrogen deficiency vs. optimum 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
- Improved crop vigor and development
- Increased fruit set, yield and quality