Fertilizer Urea
Urea, a white crystalline solid with a nitrogen content of 46%, is extensively used in agriculture primarily as a nitrogen fertilizer. Here, we focus on its role as a nitrogen source.
Physical Forms of Urea
Urea fertilizer is available in two main forms: prills and granules. Historically, urea was produced by dropping liquid urea from a “prilling tower,” where it solidified into small, softer prills. Today, however, granulated urea is more commonly produced. Granules are larger, more robust, and less prone to moisture absorption, making them better suited for fertilizer blends.
Advantages of Fertilizer Urea
- Versatility: Urea can be applied as a solid, a solution, or as a foliar spray on certain crops.
- Safety: It has minimal fire or explosion hazards.
- Efficiency: With a high nitrogen content of 46%, urea reduces handling, storage, and transportation costs compared to other dry nitrogen sources.
- Environmental Impact: Urea production releases fewer pollutants compared to other fertilizers.
- Effectiveness: Properly applied urea can boost crop yields comparable to other nitrogen forms.
Best Practices for Urea Use
To maximize the benefits of urea, it’s important to incorporate it into the soil. If urea is left on the soil surface for extended periods, particularly in warm weather, nitrogen can be lost to the atmosphere.
