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Glossary

Nitrification inhibitor

Substance that slows the oxidation of ammoniacal nitrogen into nitrite and nitrate, used to cut nitrogen losses and N₂O emissions.

NI · nitrification inhibitor

A nitrification inhibitor is a fertiliser product or additive designed to slow the biological oxidation of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N) into nitrite (NO₂⁻), thereby delaying the formation of nitrate (NO₃⁻)[1]. The FAO lists its use among practices that help synchronise nitrogen supply with water availability and boost the nutrient's use efficiency[2].

The European regulation on fertilising products sets efficacy criteria: compared with an untreated control, soil receiving an inhibitor must show a 20 % drop in the ammoniacal nitrogen oxidation rate, measured 14 days after application at a 95 % confidence level[1][3]. Fertilisers containing such an inhibitor must carry at least 50 % of their total nitrogen in ammonium (NH₄⁺) and urea (CH₄N₂O) forms[3].

Sources

  1. Règlement (UE) 2019/1009 (produits fertilisants), ANNEX I · View the source
  2. FAO, Plant nutrition for food security (2006), p. 328 · View the source
  3. Règlement (UE) 2019/1009 (produits fertilisants), ANNEX II · View the source

Original text by fertiliser-market.com. Facts and figures are taken from the documents cited, at the page given; no text, table or chart is reproduced from them.

Updated October 27, 2026

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