Some Factors Influencing Choice of Nitrogen Fertilizers

Abstract

The usual aim in choosing which nitrogen fertilizer or fertilizers should be produced and marketed is, or should be, to determine whic·h products will produce the greatest increase in crop value per dollar spent. The problem is not a simple one; it involves estimation of the cost of manufacturing or procuring the products, the cost of marketing and distributing them, the agronomic effectiveness of the alternative products, and the value of the increased agricultural production. The answer may be different for different crops or regions. Often some compromise must be made between cost of manufacture and distribution on the one hand and agronomic effectiveness on the other. The question, whether to supply nitrogen in two or more forms to meet diverse requirements, needs to be considered in light of whether the additional benefit is worth the additional cost (if any) . Finally, a decision is needed as to whether only straight nitrogen fertilizers should be produced or whether nitrogen should also be produced in the form of compound fertilizers. Most countries have found it useful to supply both types.