Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen (N) is the most important nutrient for the growth and development of crops. It is a building block for proteins, plays an important role in cell division, and is a component of enzymes, chlorophyll and DNA.

Nitrogen (N) is part of proteins and enzymes, among other things, and the most important nutrient for grass growth. A deficiency manifests itself directly in poorer growth and a light color. An excess of nitrogen entails a high protein content that is not in proportion with the energy value (Feed Unit Milk). This results in the loss of nitrogen through urine. The unfavorably high N content can, in addition to deteriorating grass quality, also cause health problems due to poorer absorption of other minerals which can, for example, lead to headaches.

With the analysis of the N-total content, the nitrogen supply capacity (NLV) of the field is calculated. This is the amount of nitrogen taken up by the grass during a season when the field has not been fertilized. The nitrogen is therefore released from the nitrogen stock in the soil (mineralization) or from the air (deposition). The NLV is needed in order to properly advise on the maximum amount of nitrogen that should be applied on an annual basis and per cut. The actual amount to be spread per cut depends on the cut weight and whether it is desirable to spread less on an annual basis than the maximum (expected) annual amount.