Urea: A Low Cost Nitrogen Fertilizer with Special Management Requirements

Urea (46-0-0) usually has the lowest cost per pound of nitrogen compared to other single-element nitrogen fertilizers. However, urea undergoes unique chemical transformations when field applied and severe losses in efficiency may result if special management practices are not followed. The purpose of this fact sheet is to briefly describe urea transformations and to suggest how urea-N may be conserved with proper management in the field.

For more information, please visit Shuanglian.

Urea Composition and Transformation  in the Field

In common with most commercial nitrogen fertilizers, urea is manufactured from anhydrous ammonia (NH3). The high analysis of urea&#;46% N&#;is the main reason for the low cost of this form of nitrogen fertilizer. Freight costs and storage and handling are all lower than with lower analysis fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) or ammonium sulfate (21-0-0).

When field applied, urea changes to ammonium bicarbonate. This is a natural process resulting from the activity of the enzyme urease. Chemically the reaction is:

(NH2)CO + 2H2O ))) NH4HCO3 + OH-

This chemical reaction takes place after the urea is dissolved in water and will be complete within about 48 hours under field conditions. The water solution in which the reaction takes place has an alkaline pH, to as high as 8.5, and the ammonium (NH4+) tends to convert to ammonia gas (NH3). This gas will volatilize to the air if not protected. Urea placed on the soil surface or plant foliage may loose from 50% to 90% of its N as ammonia if not protected within a few hours of application.

Conserving Urea-N

If the urea-to-NH4 reaction takes place in the soil the nitrogen will be captured as exchangeable ammonium on the soil exchange complex and little if any loss of ammonia gas to the air will occur. Therefore, the key to conserving urea fertilizer nitrogen is to put the urea into the soil and not merely on the soil.

Soil incorporation of urea can be done several ways. Since urea is completely water soluble, when applied to the soil surface it can be moved down with irrigation water or rainfall, if one or the other occurs immediately after fertilization. Also, urea can be broadcast and plowed down immediately. And urea can be injected or banded into the soil.

Soil banding or injection is usually not feasible with an established crop such as pasture. Under these conditions the nitrogen fertilizer of choice would be either ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or one of the ammoniated phosphates (for example 11-52-0).

Urea is applied alone or in combination with other fertilizers. It is available in solid prills and in water solution. The latter includes a 50-50 mix of urea and ammonium nitrate, which is sold under various trade names and is guaranteed at 32% nitrogen (32-0-0). The urea-to-NH4 transformation will take place regardless of whether another nitrogen form or other fertilizer element is present in the fertilizer.

Summary

Urea is a low cost nitrogen fertilizer form. This is because of its high nitrogen composition and consequent low transport and storage costs. Urea may be the fertilizer of choice when only nitrogen is needed in a soil fertility program.

Urea converts to ammonium bicarbonate within about 48 hours after field application. Nitrogen in this form will tend to volatilize to the air as ammonia gas. This lost fertilizer investment risk can be minimized or eliminated by assuring that the urea gets into the soil and does not merely remain on the surface of the soil or crop foliage. This can be accomplished by irrigating in the urea; by plowdown soon after surface broadcast application; or by banding or injecting the urea directly into the soil.

Authors

D. W. James, Extension Soils Specialist

Urea Fertilizerilizer Guide- Uses And Application For Beginners & Pros

46-0-0 Fertilizer must be handled with extreme caution, because it is a fertilizer with high, mostly nitrogen content.

In this post, we&#;ll cover what 46-0-0 Fertilizer is, its composition, its advantages, and disadvantages, how to use it, its types, and the best times to apply it to your farm, lawn, or garden for the best results. Keep reading to learn all about it.

What Is 46-0-0 Fertilizer?

46-0-0 Fertilizer is a urea fertilizer, a simple single-element fertilizer that provides the main necessary ingredient nitrogen in ammonic form (NH4+). One of the two forms of nitrogen plants can take the positively charged, non-volatile ammonium ion (NH4+), the other being nitrate (NO3&#;).

Understanding The Label

With so many alternatives available, finding the Fertilizer that your plants require can seem time-consuming, but when you comprehend the labeling, choosing the appropriate one is simple.

Most labels mention the item&#;s NPK (how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the product contains). It will be pure nitrogen in 46-0-0 Fertilizer.

All incorporated secondary micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and others that promote plant health, should be listed on the back label. Its N-P-K ratio of 46-0-0 Fertilizer is 46 nitrogen, zero percent phosphorus, and zero percent potassium.

The remaining ingredients are additives or fillers that help make the product application easier. When applied correctly, a 46-0-0 ratio can assist in converting nutrient-poor soil into a beneficial growing medium.

For general plant health, it will be necessary to provide enough phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients after planting.

&#; Nitrogen

Nitrogen encourages the production of chlorophyll, which promotes healthy foliage growth. Chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, ensures that the energy gathered is converted into food by breaking down starches and carbohydrates.

Proteins and enzymes that control the intake of water and nutrients are likewise powered by nitrogen. Non-flowering plants are the target group for high-N fertilizers.

&#; Phosphorus

Because it starts converting starches and carbohydrates into food while utilizing stored energy, phosphorus is essential to photosynthesis.

Additionally, it encourages flowering plants to produce buds and strong root systems. The same proteins and enzymes that nitrogen utilized to control water and nutrients are also formed at the same time.

&#; Potassium

Potassium helps plants transport water, minerals, and food produced by photosynthesis. It also activates the proteins and enzymes that phosphorus and nitrogen were used to build, supporting a healthier field.

Potassium helps plants conserve moisture, which boosts their tolerance to environmental stress and disease. Additionally, it works particularly well to increase a lawn&#;s ability to withstand cold winters when dormant.

Pros And Cons

When used properly, urea can significantly increase the amount of nitrogen available in the soil and quickly revitalize worn-out fields. However, there are some drawbacks to have in mind before employing it. Read along to see the benefits and disadvantages of excessive use of 46-0-0 fertilizers.

&#; Pros

Enhances the absorption of water

Provides an instant green by dissolving leaves into easily identifiable forms to produce beneficial nutrients for your grass.

Increases nitrogen availability in soil.

Pocket friendly.

&#; Cons

Biuret, a typical contaminant found in synthetic urea, actually hinders plant growth.

Some organic substances, including limestone, don&#;t mix well with urea (organic phosphorus).

The shelf life of urea is quite brief.

How Does 46-0-0 Fertilizer Work

When it is applied to the soil, the catalytic action of urease causes urea fertilizer to interact with water (hydrolyze) to create ammonium carbonate [(NH4)2CO3].

The urease enzyme is a byproduct of the microbial breakdown of organic matter and is found in soil.

An unstable compound, ammonium carbonate, is formed for a short time. It breaks down into the water, carbon dioxide, and gaseous ammonia (NH3).

When it is added to the soil, NH3 is transformed into ammonium (NH4+) by hydrogen ions (H+) from soil particles.

The positively charged ammonium ions are then incorporated into the negatively charged soil particles, where they stay until they are either taken up by plants through the roots or used as an energy source by bacteria to nitrify (convert to nitrate, NO3-) in the process of nitrification.

How To Apply 

This Fertilizer can be used dry, in granular form, or mixed with water in liquid form, before growing any plants, till the soil to apply a 46-0-0 fertilizer for effective application.

Urea can be added to the soil as hard grains, prills, or lentils.

The white, crystal granule formulation has the most promise.

By adding a water-soluble form to your irrigation water, you could also introduce it to the soil.

When applying granules, a quarter-inch of rain is sufficient to mix the urea deeply enough into the soil to prevent ammonia loss, which is advantageous to plants.

For your better understanding of how to use 46 0 0 fertilizer, more details are provided below.

&#; Apply Fertilizer On Cold Days To Minimize Ammonia Damage

Apply urea on chilly days to lessen ammonia damage. It is ideal for applying urea on chilly, windless days when the temperature is between 32 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 15.6 °C).

Urea dissolves on the lawn when the soil freezes at lower temperatures. At warmer temperatures and humidity, urea decomposes more quickly than it can become wet in the ground.

&#; Use 46-0-0 Fertilizer With The Urea Barrier Before Planting.

The enzyme urease starts the chemical process that turns urea into nitrate plants. Before your plant benefits from the high amount of urea, you can reduce it by applying this Fertilizer before planting.

Chemical reactions can be slowed down, and urea can be kept in the soil using fertilizers with urea inhibitors.

Want more information on urea 46-0-0 nitrogen fertilizer? Feel free to contact us.

&#; Spreading Fertilizer Evenly

Small, hard pills or urea particles are packed and offered for sale. Applying another fertilizer first can disperse urea uniformly across your landscape. For most trees, you should maintain this Fertilizer close to the tree&#;s roots or the area where you will sow the seeds.

&#; Wet The Land

Urea first decomposes into ammonia gas and then nitrate. Applying Fertilizer as soon as the soil becomes wet will help the fertilizer dissolve in the soil before the chemical reaction begins since the gasses can easily escape from the soil surface.

As a result, more ammonia is trapped in the soil. To retain the ammonia gas as much as possible in the soil, the top 1.3 millimeters of the surface should be moist. You can water your grass by yourself, spread urea on your property after 48 hours of the snow melting, or spread it there before it rains.

&#; Mix Your Fertilizer Well

An excellent strategy to spread this Fertilizer before your ammonia gas is harmed includes harrowing, dragging, or shrinking your field so that urea can stay in the top layer of soil.

&#; Fertilize The Crops On Light Days

Most cereal grains can be immediately treated with urea, but not always at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When employed in warm environments, the plants emit an ammonia-like odor.

Best Uses

Due to the 46-0-0 NPK&#;s adaptability in use, farmers, gardeners, and homeowners with lawns all utilize it. However, because it only provides nitrogen, plants that need phosphorus, potassium, and other essential minerals should receive supplements.

Remember that ammonia-rich fertilizers shouldn&#;t be used for longer than six months because they can alter the composition of your soil over time!!

Because different plants have varying needs if you need to reapply any compound fertilizer during the season, ensure it doesn&#;t always contain just one ingredient, such as an N-P-K mix or organic material alone.

&#; Lawn Care

It is strongly advised to use a 46-0-0 NPK fertilizer on your lawn only after a soil test has revealed a nitrogen deficiency. It should be used once a year, in April, just before new growth starts.

Root burn and crispy, brown grass could happen when such high amounts are treated in areas with enough nitrogen already present. Apply this Fertilizer only to grass that is actively growing and only until a second soil test indicates that the nitrogen content has improved. 

As for the application, remember to spread one pound of Fertilizer over a surface area of 1,000 square feet.

&#; Grass

Ornamental grasses are quite common due to their reputation for being low-maintenance and their tendency to thrive in unfavorable soil. They are unlikely candidates for heavy nitrogen formulae since they naturally resist pests, diseases, and environmental challenges.

In general, these grass varieties don&#;t need to be fertilized frequently, and they frequently give gardens year-round appeal. However, when planted with other ornamentals in nutrient-deficient soil, a significantly diluted amount of this Fertilizer may aid in root establishment.

&#; Corn

Corn plants require more nitrogen to support their thick stalks and huge leaves that protect tightly packed cobs. Nitrogen is a crucial macro- and micronutrient that corn requires to generate delicious, well-formed grains.

A sprinkle of polymer-coated 46-0-0 granules can improve nitrogen access for healthier plants if your corn&#;s leaves turn brown out of season or the cobs are tiny and lacking kernels. Remember, direct contact with urea harms the seeds and often lowers maize plant yields.

&#; Leafy Vegetables

Developing well-formed, bright foliage and florets depends more on nitrogen in leafy crops like lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage because they rarely bloom. Remember to apply four ounces (12 cups) of Fertilizer every 30 feet of row in vegetable gardens.

An initial application of 46-0-0 Fertilizer will encourage strong roots, rich color, and greater size when nitrogen is deficient in the soil.

Liquid solutions should be used in the morning or late at night to prevent leaf burn. The same effect is achieved by dispersing granules three inches apart from each plant.

&#; Houseplants

Houseplants are confined to containers and are extremely sensitive to fertilizer levels. Only a heavily diluted quantity of 46-0-0 Fertilizer would be suitable, even with the extra runoff common with houseplants, but only for non-flowering plants.

When used correctly, and when recycled potting soil is routinely used, this technique can be highly effective. Potting soil will gradually lose its natural nutritional qualities. Utilizing 46-0-0 Fertilizers sparingly can aid in partial fertility restoration.

&#; Shrubs And Trees

Given their size when fully grown, trees and shrubs are frequently the plants that consume the most nitrogen. This nutrient causes the largest growth response. However, early in the spring, when fruit trees and berry bushes are just beginning to sprout, farmers use this Fertilizer.

Trees can be treated with liquid urea at two diluted ounces each month while growing in a flat location. Slow-release granules will provide the safest form of nitrogen infusion on slopes or regions where the possibility of runoff is higher.

&#; Potatoes

Some potato types may withstand high nitrogen concentrations; some cannot! Take care and handle all plants the same. Avoid providing high amounts of nitrogen to potato plants when using this Fertilizer.

46-0-0 Fertilizer can be sprayed on potato plants directly or mixed with other fertilizers to a solution that contains no more than 30 percent nitrogen. Remember that only before planting potatoes should you fertilize the soil with fertilizer solutions that contain more than 30 percent nitrogen.

Types For 46-0-0 Fertilizer

There are four fertilizers, each with various applications and gardening techniques.

&#; Liquid Concentrate

46-0-0 liquid Fertilizer is applied around your plants after being diluted with water. Some such fertilizers have foliar spray formulations as well. The soil or leaves then rapidly transport nutrients to the root system.

Despite their tendency to momentarily raise soil pH, liquid urea feeds are very cost-effective. It is advised to exercise caution, though, as overfeeding is common and can result in the root, flower, and foliage burning.

&#; Water Soluble Powder

Options for powdered urea can be mixed with water to make a &#;tea&#; or worked straight into the soil towards the base of shrubs and plants. They have a limited shelf life but store well in an airtight container.

Powders are among the most affordable; however, they might work better in larger applications like farms or coppices. In smaller gardens, these could be too much to handle if precise measurements are not taken.

&#; Slow Release Granules

Granules are highly concentrated, convenient to use, and offer ongoing nutrition for up to nine months. In only a few weeks, the initial findings will become apparent. Furthermore, they are less prone to result in root burn.

Casting granular fertilizers uniformly around the base of trees, shrubs, and other plants is how you apply them. They do not require watering to become active and are less prone to contaminate adjacent surfaces or groundwater.

&#; Fertilizer Spikes

Especially if you have a container garden, spikes are one of the easiest to employ. They are simple to put into loamy soil because they are pre-measured in various sizes. They also have a reduced danger of burning because of their delayed release.

Microbes that naturally exist in the soil release nutrients from the spikes. And have the additional advantage of promoting a higher resistance to disease and pests. The leftovers can then be kept clean until needed.

FAQ

When should I not apply 46-0-0 Fertilizer?

Avoid applying 46-0-0 fertilizer during heavy rainfall or when plants are experiencing drought stress. This can lead to nutrient runoff or ineffective absorption.

Is 46-0-0 Fertilizer explosive?

No, 46-0-0 fertilizer is not explosive. It is a concentrated nitrogen fertilizer used for plant nutrition, not for explosive purposes.

Does 46-0-0 Fertilizer promote root growth?

Yes, 46-0-0 fertilizer promotes root growth. Its high nitrogen content supports vigorous vegetative growth, including the development of healthy roots.

Conclusion

46-0-0 fertilizers quickly became popular among farmers and sod distributors who wanted to reduce their expenses because of their low production costs. Let&#;s summarize what we&#;ve learned in this article:

46&#;0-0 has 46 percent nitrogen, zero percent phosphorus, and zero percent potassium.

This is a great booster for your plant because it will increase nitrogen availability in the soil.

Provides instant aid for your shrubs, leafy vegetables, lawn, and even for corn and potatoes.

With improper use, it may harm the plants that you are applying on.

We hope this article has equipped you with all the information needed to fertilize your plant and ensure its health adequately.

 

Our solutions are broadly acknowledged and dependable by users and may meet consistently developing economic and social requires for Compound fertilizer NPK 12 12 17,npk granular fertilizer,NPK Compound Fertilizer,NPK Water Soluble Fertilizer,NPK Control Released Fertilizer,npk fertilizer manufacturer,npk 15 15 15 fertilizer manufacturers
 

Explore our 46-0-0 Fertilizer Guide - Uses and Application for Beginners and Pros and unlock the secrets to successful farming. Whether you need NPK Fertilizer, Nitrogen Fertilizer, Phosphate Fertilizer, or Potassium Fertilizer, Sanyuanjiuqi has you covered. Elevate your crop yield and quality by choosing the right fertilizer today. Don't wait&#;take action now and purchase from Sanyuanjiuqi for the best results!

 

For more prilled urea pricesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.