The invention relates to N-(1H-azolyl-methyl)amides of general formula (I), wherein A = CH, C-halogen, C-C1-C4-alkyl or C-C3-C8-cycloalkyl or N, R<;1>; and R<;2 >;independently represent H, C1-C4-alkyl or C3-C8-cycloalkyl, R<;3>; represents C1-C4-Alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl or C6-C10-aryl or H, R<;4>; represents C1-C20-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or aryl alkyl with C1-C4-alkyl- and C6-C10-aryl groups, wherein the aryl radicals of R<;4>; can be substituted once or several times by C1-C4-alkylsulfonyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-acyl, halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, carboxyl or C1-C5-carboxyalkyl, or represents NHR<;3>; or formula (1) with the radicals indicated for R<;1>;, R <;2>;, R<;3>; and A, or wherein R<;3>; and R<;4>; can jointly form an ethylene bridge and B represents oxygen or sulphur. The inventive compounds are suitable for inhibiting or controlling nitrification. In addition to having an excellent nitrification-inhibiting effect, said compounds have a low hydrolysis tendency and as a result of the hydrophobic properties thereof can be easily applied to the surface of fertilizers e.g. fertilizing agent granules.