WHAT IS UREA?
Urea is a Carbonic Acid diamide and is the solid Nitrogen fertiliser with the highest Nitrogen UF, 46% in ureic form.
It has different commercial names: carbamide, carbonyl diamide or Carbamic Acid.
Its chemical formula is CO (NH2)2.
Urea, in its initial acidic form, is not assimilated by the plant until its transformation into AMONIACAL AND THEN INTO NITRIC FORM. These transformation steps depend on the present atmospheric situation, humidity and temperature, as well as the Organic Matter (OM) existing in the soil.
All these factors activate the enzymatic hydrolysis of urease within a short period of days.
The nitrification process will be more or less accelerated depending on the fauna, i.e. soil micro-organism and PH. This entire process ends when NITROGEN turns into its NITRICA form, where it is absorbed.
The presentation format is in solid white crystals of a spherical-granular shape, pearled, or diluted in liquid form, depending on the application and on the current needs of the crop.
It is also used for manufacturing as a raw material in BLENDING along with other raw materials (Ammonium Sulphate, DAP, etc.).
- It is the most widely used fertiliser in agriculture.
- It provides Nitrogen, which is essential for the plant.
- It provides 46 UF.
- N is the necessary pathway for chlorophyll synthesis.
- Urea, with its contribution of N, is one of the components providing the plant with vitamins.
- N is primordial. It is a component of the amino acids which means it is responsible for the increase of protein in plants, leading to the correct development of leaves, shoots and stems.
- In cereal crops it is the first factor that determines the amount of protein in grain formation.
- It is hygroscopic, which means it has the capacity to absorb water from the atmosphere.
- Urea is:
- Non-toxic
- Non-carcinogenic
- Non-flammable
CORRECT APPLICATION TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT IN AGRICULTURE
Dressing wheat, olives, vegetables or citrus fruits with urea is recommended.
Urea is the best form of Nitrogen administration for the plant, as discussed above.
It is very important to follow the application guidelines to avoid, wherever possible, nitrogen losses due to EUTROPHICATION, i.e. running directly to groundwater, rivers, atmosphere, aquifers.
The speed (no electrical charge) of its dissolution when in contact with irrigation water or rain must be considered, which causes it to move freely until its hydrolysis process turns it into NH4+.
Its exact application date must be noted, to ensure it remains on the surface of the soil for as little time as possible and to avoid unnecessary losses.
This avoids volatility, low yield, and low quality crops.
The VULNERABLE AREAS governed by Nitrogen UF limitation must be taken into account.
Nowadays, an important factor that is fairly commonly used are UREASE INHIBITORS, which are able to reduce hydrolysis and, therefore, reduce volatilisation and ammonia production.
MISCELLANEOUS USES OF UREA
- FERTILISER
- DIRECT GRANULATION
- FOLIAR
- LIQUID SOLUTION
- CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
- PLASTIC MANUFACTURING
- ADHESIVE MANUFACTURING
- RESIN MANUFACTURING
- INK MANUFACTURING
- PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
- TEXTILE INDUSTRY
- ANIMAL FEED
If you have any doubts about how to dress wheat, vegetables, citrus fruits, maize or any other crop with urea, remember that DFGRUPO remains at your disposal to recommend the products that best meet your needs.
Please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss it with you!
