What is the necessary process for plants to utilize nitrogen from slow release fertilizer?

Plants cannot absorb nitrogen directly from slow-release fertilizers. Instead, the nitrogen contained in these fertilizers typically comes in a form that needs to be converted by soil microbes into a usable form for plants. The most common conversion process involves the transformation of ammonium (NH4) or nitrate (NO3) through microbial activity in the soil. This process, known as nitrification, is essential because plants primarily utilize nitrogen in the form of nitrate or ammonium ions, which are made available through microbial action.

Soil microbes play a crucial role in breaking down the slow-release components of the fertilizer, allowing nutrients to be released gradually and making them accessible to plants over time. Understanding this microbial process is vital for effective fertilizer application and nutrient management in cultivation practices.