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Urea is a widely used nitrogen fertilizer, but it requires careful handling to maximize its effectiveness and avoid potential issues. When applying urea, it should not be mixed with alkaline fertilizers such as wood ash, lime, molybdenum, or magnesium phosphate. If combined, the ammonia in urea can volatilize, leading to a loss of nitrogen. Therefore, during summer and autumn, it's recommended to apply urea and alkaline fertilizers 3–4 days apart, while in winter and spring, the interval should be 7–8 days.
When using urea as a seed fertilizer, caution is necessary. The presence of biuret, a harmful byproduct, can reduce seed germination and damage young plants. High concentrations of urea may also harm the proteins in seeds, making it unsuitable for direct application with seeds. If it must be used, ensure proper spacing and limit the quantity.
After applying urea, it is important to wait before watering. Urea has low adsorption to soil colloids and can easily leach or be lost through runoff. In summer and autumn, water the field 2–3 days after application, and in winter and spring, wait 7–8 days. Avoid heavy rain immediately after application, and plow the soil to mix it thoroughly with the fertilizer.
For topdressing, shallow application is not ideal. Deep application, about 10–15 cm into the soil, helps keep urea in the moist layer where it can be absorbed more effectively by plant roots. This method increases the efficiency of urea by up to 10–30% compared to shallow application.
Over-application of urea should be avoided. Excessive amounts can lead to waste and even "burn" crops. A typical recommendation is 5–15 kg per acre for general use, and 15–20 kg per acre for paddy fields. Too much urea may not be fully absorbed before converting to ammonium bicarbonate, leading to losses from rainfall and environmental pollution.
Foliar application of urea should be done at the correct concentration. For crops like corn and rice, a 2% solution is suitable, while vegetables and fruits require lower concentrations, around 0.5–1.5%. Too high a concentration can burn leaves and harm plants.
Applying urea too late can negatively affect crop growth and maturity. It should be applied 4–7 days earlier than other nitrogen fertilizers to ensure optimal nutrient availability.
Lastly, urea should not be used alone. Combining it with organic manure and phosphorus or potassium fertilizers ensures a balanced supply of nutrients. Mixing urea with superphosphate, for example, reduces nitrogen loss, while combining it with organic materials enhances decomposition and absorption by crops.
By following these guidelines, farmers can make the most of urea while minimizing risks and maximizing yield.