Urea Fertilizer
Most concentrated solid nitrogen source with neutral pH
CO(NH₂)₂ | 46% nitrogen content
Urea is the most important nitrogenous fertilizer in the market, with the highest Nitrogen content (about 46 percent). It is a white crystalline organic chemical compound. Urea is neutral in pH and can adapt to almost all kinds of soils. It is a waste product formed naturally by metabolizing protein in humans as well as other mammals, amphibians and some fish. Urea is widely used in the agricultural sector both as a fertilizer and animal feed additive.
The main function of Urea fertilizer is to provide the plants with nitrogen to promote green leafy growth and make the plants look lush. Urea also aids the photosynthesis process of plants. Since urea fertilizer can provide only nitrogen and not phosphorus or potassium, it's primarily used for bloom growth.
Two types of urea include prilled and granules and are widely used as fertilizers. They are produced from the reaction between ammonia and carbon dioxide. These types of urea differ in two cases which are their Physical properties and method of Applications.
1. Prilled Urea
Prilled urea is a form of nitrogen-rich solid fertilizer that has the ability to dissolve quickly in water. Prilled urea is more commonly used today to resist breaking down when mixing with other fertilizer components like Potassium chloride. It is also known as ice melting or deicing urea since it can reduce ice efficiently, even at very low temperatures ( -6°C ).
Physical Properties
Small particles of prilled urea are in spherical shape. They have a larger surface area compared to granular urea which causes water to interact with it better and leading to faster dissolution. One of the challenges with fertilizer is that it breaks down or evaporates when it rains. The urea prill has a high resistance. This makes urea fertilizer remain longer and we don't need to use fertilizer in short periods of time.
Prilled Urea Applications
- Direct application to soil or through irrigation systems as a nitrogen fertilizer
- Utilization in NOx control systems for nitrogen oxide control in diesel engines
- Use as a nitrogen component in the production of liquid or suspension fertilizers solutions
- Snow melting on runways
- Use in cattle feed
- Use in pharmacology
2. Granular Urea
Granular urea is the same as prilled urea that has the highest nitrogen (46% content) among solid fertilizers. It can be applied directly to the soil or mixed with other fertilizers like phosphate and potash to create a complete food mix for plants. This type of urea can be easily applied using conventional spreading equipment.
Physical Properties
Granular urea has bigger particles and an uneven shape. It is stronger than prilled urea and less likely to break. It releases nitrogen slowly. It can be a rich source of nutrients for plants.
Granular Urea Application
- Raw material for other fertilizers production
- Manufacturing of melamine used in melamine-methanal resins (used for the synthesis of melamine through a chemical reaction involving urea and formaldehyde.)
- Formation of important resins (urea-formaldehyde resin)
- Use in reducing air pollution from diesel engines in cars, buses, and lorries
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