While plants need nitrogen to produce strong leaves, it’s not the only thing that they need to thrive. Sometimes they need totally different minerals or nutrients. There are seventeen different nutrients that plants require - and nitrogen is just one of them. Other biological functions demand nutrients that are present in the soil along with nitrogen. Nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron are critical for the growth of good flowers and fruit, and without them, you may face poor yields, weak growth, and plants that die before they reach their true potential. Other trace elements are responsible for seed germination and root development. So while it may seem reasonable to add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your soils, it’s worth ensuring that’s what you really need. Sometimes Consider using a commercial soil test to check what you may be missing so you can target your treatment. They’re cheaply available on Amazon and can help point you toward what you need for your soil. Failing that, most Universities across the country have an extension service that can provide soil testing and advice that’s tailored to your location. Too much nitrogen can lead to its own suite of issues. Most commonly you wind up with leaves that are yellow or display browned tips. It’s also possible for the nitrogen in the soil to overload the plant and reduce its capacity to absorb the minerals actually needs.