Glutamine (Nitrogen)
Gluconate (Honey)
Carboxylate (Vinegar)
Glutamine's key feature is its polar, uncharged amide group (−CONH2) that readily carries nitrogen.
Carboxylic Acid: The fundamental part of any amino acid
Amide Group: A nitrogen-containing side chain (−CONH2) that is polar and crucial for nitrogen transport, making glutamine a vital nutrient carrier.
Nitrogen: Glutamine provides nitrogen for synthesizing essential molecules like purines (for DNA/RNA) and other amino acids, and its nitrogen content is high (around 19.17%).
..
Alfalfa
Nitrogen
Sulfur
For alfalfa, an ideal N:S (Nitrogen to Sulfur) ratio is generally considered to be around 9:1.
Optimal Range: Aim for a tighter ratio, ideally around 9:1 to 10:1, though up to 15:1 is often cited as acceptable for feed.
Deficiency Threshold: A ratio greater than 11:1 to 17:1 suggests sulfur deficiency in the plant tissue.
Protein Production: Sulfur is a component of essential amino acids, so adequate S is needed to form protein efficiently; too much N relative to S leads to poor protein quality.
Why the Ratio Matters:
Protein Quality: Adequate sulfur is vital for incorporating nitrogen into protein; without enough S, nitrogen isn't fully utilized.
Digestibility: A balanced N:S ratio improves alfalfa's digestibility, especially for livestock.
Yield: Correcting sulfur deficiency by narrowing the N:S ratio can significantly boost alfalfa yields.