Nitrogen is considered to be the most important nutrient, and plants absorb more nitrogen than any other element. Nitrogen is essential to in making sure plants are healthy as they develop and nutritious to eat after they're harvested. Nitrogen (N) is a major limiting nutrient to sustain crop yields and quality. As a result, N fertilizer is usually applied in large quantities to increase crop production throughout the world. Nitrogen fertilization is the process that is most effectively used as part of a balanced fertilization plan that aims to maximize economic return and maintain environmental quality.