1、Applying urea ammonium nitrate solution saves nitrogen resources by

UAN is a liquid N fertilizer that contains three N sources (nitrate N, ammonium N, and amide N), which is easy to mix with nutrients or chemicals, making it more suitable for micro sprinkling fertigation.

2、The Role of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) in Modern Fertilization

Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) solution is a vital nitrogen-based fertilizer widely used in modern agriculture to improve soil health and enhance crop yields. Composed of both ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) forms of nitrogen, UAN provides a balanced and effective nutrient source for crops.

3、Urea vs. Ammonium Nitrate: Which Fertilizer Is Better?

Compare urea and ammonium nitrate fertilizers in terms of nitrogen content, efficiency, cost, and suitability for different crops.

4、Urea Ammonium Nitrate

A heated solution containing dissolved urea is mixed with a heated solution of ammonium nitrate to make a clear liquid fertilizer. Half of the total N comes from the urea solution and half from the ammonium nitrate solution.

Ammonium Nitrate Vs Urea

When urea is left uncovered on the surface of the soil losses of nitrogen occur through volatilisation of ammonia during the hydrolysis of the urea. Such losses with ammonium nitrate are only likely to occur on highly calcareous soils.

Ammonium Nitrate vs. Urea

Ammonium Nitrate is a compound made up of nitrogen and oxygen, with a chemical formula NH4NO3. It is a highly soluble fertilizer that provides both nitrogen and oxygen to plants, promoting their growth and development. On the other hand, Urea is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO (NH2)2.

Which Is Better Fertilizer Urea or Ammonium Nitrate? For Your Crops

Among the various types of fertilizers, urea and ammonium nitrate stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both are nitrogen-rich compounds, essential for plant growth and development. However, they differ in their chemical composition, application methods, and environmental impacts.

Frontiers

Our results showed that the application of UAN was beneficial to improve the dry matter accumulation and the distribution of summer maize. Compared with urea treatment, the total nitrogen accumulation of UAN treatment was increased by 15.8%, and the harvest index was increased by 5.5%.

Nitrogen Fertilizers for Field Crops

Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) is a soluble, readily available N source with 28-32% N prepared by mixing of ammonium nitrate and urea. It is primarily used as a non-pressurized liquid fertilizer and is for many the preferred source of N for sidedressing of row crops.

Urea Transformations and Fertilizer Efficiency in Soil

The rapid hydrolysis of urea in the soil can result in high soil pH values and high ammonium ion concentrations, which are conducive to the accumulation of ammonia. The major problems observed in urea fertilization are the loss of volatile ammonia gas and ammonia toxicity to germinating seedling.

Urea, chemically known as carbamide, is a common nitrogen fertilizer. It belongs to ammonium nitrogen fertilizers and is primarily used in agricultural production to enhance crop yield and quality. The following sections elaborate on the characteristics, functions, and application methods of urea as an ammonium nitrogen fertilizer.

1. Definition and Classification of Urea

• Definition: Urea is an organic compound composed of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, with the molecular formula C₃H₆N₂O. It appears as a white or pale yellow powdered solid with a strong ammonia smell.
• Classification: Based on production processes, urea is divided into industrial urea and agricultural urea. Industrial urea is used in chemical production, while agricultural urea is designed for fertilization.

2. Characteristics of Urea as Ammonium Nitrogen Fertilizer

• High Nitrogen Content: Urea contains 46% nitrogen, the highest among all nitrogen fertilizers, making it highly effective for nitrogen supplementation.
• Rapid Effectiveness: The nitrogen in urea is in the form of ammonium ions, which can be rapidly absorbed by plants, significantly boosting crop yields.
• Wide Applicability: Urea is suitable for various soil types (acidic or alkaline) and crops (cereals, cash crops, etc.), serving as a versatile nitrogen source.

3. Functions of Urea

• Promotes Growth: Nitrogen from urea stimulates crop development, resulting in lush leaves, sturdy stems, and improved overall quality.
• Increases Yield: Proper urea application raises per-unit area productivity and total output.
• Enhances Quality: Urea improves crop traits, such as sugar content and fruit taste.

4. Application Methods of Urea

• Base Application: Spread urea evenly over the soil surface before planting, then plow it into the soil. This method suits most crops but requires careful dosage to avoid excess nitrogen.
• Topdressing: Apply urea during the growth period based on crop needs and soil conditions. Dissolve urea in water for irrigation or foliar spraying to optimize nitrogen uptake.
• Foliar Spraying: For nitrogen-sensitive crops like rice and maize, spraying urea directly onto leaves enhances absorption efficiency.

5. Precautions

• Overapplication: Excessive urea use wastes resources and harms the environment. Follow the "small doses, frequent applications" principle.
• Soil pH: Urea stability varies with soil acidity. In acidic soils, it may volatilize as ammonia; in alkaline soils, absorption could be hindered. Choose urea types suited to soil pH.
• Combine with Other Fertilizers: Pair urea with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to balance nutrients and improve utilization rates.

As an efficient ammonium nitrogen fertilizer, urea plays a critical role in agriculture. It boosts crop yield, quality, and soil health. rational application is essential to avoid negative impacts. Consider factors like soil pH and fertilizer compatibility to maximize urea’s benefits, supporting sustainable agricultural development.