How Much Can I Reduce My Nitrogen Fertilizer Use When I Use Azos

HOW MUCH CAN I REDUCE MY NITROGEN FERTILIZER USE WHEN I USE AZOS

This is a good question asked.  I will do my best to explain how the nitrogen fixing bacteria works and why it may prove very beneficial to growing giant pumpkins.

First of all, the use of azosprillum bacteria is well documented in a range of crops.  Giant pumpkins should benefit from the inoculant particularly because the organic / biological systems used by most   growers is a perfect environment for AZOS to perform.  The potential for plant health and yield could be very significant.  And it is about far more than just a nitrogen supply.  But let’s address nitrogen first.  My suggestion is that you do not go out of your comfort zone.  If you have been applying ammonium sulfate or urea at a rate of XX lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. and you are happy with the results then lower those rates only to where you remain comfortable.

BUT HERE IS SOME MORE INFORMATION TO BASE A DECISION ON

According to John Taberna, Western Laboratories, the levels of nitrogen present in most giant pumpkin patch samples he tests have more than adequate reserves for the entire year.  In addition to a regular soil test, Western Labs offers an “N-Min” to determine the total amount of nitrogen that can be made available through soil mineralization by microbes.  So you might want to spend $50.00 on a test before you spend $50 on fertilizer.  Generally a higher percentage of composted, well stabilized “Organic Matter” present in the soil can guarantee that the patch has an adequate or near adequate supply of nitrogen

AZOS is different than the other soil bacteria that mineralize organic matter, releasing nitrogen as ammonia or NH₃.  AZOS is classified as a BNF (Biological N₂ Fixation) microbe.  It removes atmospheric nitrogen as N₂ from the air that is present within the root zone and converts it to NH₃ as well.  Now your plants have two distinct sources of nitrogen, one from organic soil reserves and one from direct atmospheric conversion (our atmosphere is comprised of roughly 80% nitrogen).

When salt based fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and urea are applied to the soil, the N source becomes the soluble fertilizer and the salts which are soil sterilants, suppress ALL microbial and mycorrhizal populations from performing their functions.   However, biological activity in the root zone does not really begin to get serious until the soils hit the upper 50⁰ F or 13⁰ C range so starting plants at lower temperatures may require supplemental nitrogen source (be careful though because too much N  can set up a stress situation called “Luxurious Consumption” where leaf tissue becomes soft and vulnerable to disease attacks.)

BEYOND NITROGEN

There are many greater payoffs if AZOS can be incorporated into your cultural.  Like many beneficial microbes, azospirillum bacteria provide additional services to the host plant other than the  supply of NH₃.  One of the most important observations in scientific research is that AZOS, along with mycorrhizal fungi, provide plants with a balanced range of nutrients.  This is very critical to producing large pumpkins.  In other words, the plant takes charge of what and how much of each of the 14 elements it requires from the soil.  Chemical fertilization is a form of force feeding and puts the grower in the unpleasant position of having to “Outthink the Vegetable” and more often than not, losing the contest.  When the plant takes charge and begins to direct soil biota as to its needs, a number of changes take place.  A balanced nutrient supply enables a plant to increase its production of secondary metabolites and certain compounds that are in the form of enzymes, vitamins or their precursors such as amino acids.  Primary metabolites are proteins, starches and sugars that drive plant growth.  Secondary metabolites function in a wide range activities as compounds that may become part of a plant’s natural defense system or focus on reproduction activities, directing the flow of nutrients and compounds required for healthy and abundant fruit production.  Azospirillum is known to assist plants in the production very important “Phytohormones”, such as  indole 3-acetic acid (IAA)   and similar compounds.  Also known as auxins, they can drive a number of functions related to growth such as cell division and elongation.  Phenylacetic acid (PAA) is another compound similar to IAA but found mostly in fruit.  It could potentially be a significant driving force in producing large and heavy pumpkins.  But I am getting to far out there.

IN SUMMARY

AZOS is a new offering to giant pumpkin growers that has the potential to enhance the biological production system used by many growers.  Making drastic or risky changes to your cultural program is surely not recommended, but if you choose to use AZOS, note your observations and please share with all of the pumpkin growers.

Finally, one persistent question keeps coming up though, “Will AZOS burn my plant?”  No, chemicals produce burning, biology just grows.  We do have a bulking agent in AZOS to make the product easier to handle.  It is a Calcium silicate commonly used to bulk food and pharmaceutical products.  Our studies have found it to be safe and not capable of burning but if you are sure you are getting leaf burn and ruled out everything else, please lets us know so that RTI can keep our products both effective and safe.