There is no denying the fact that every plant needs certain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. in order to grow and maintain good health. Sometimes though, nature fails to replenish these nutrients in the soil that are lost with each harvest. This is when the need for fertilisation arises so that plants and soil can both get all those important nutrients and higher crop yields can be achieved.
Urea is a widely used fertiliser due to its high nitrogen content. It is a white crystalline organic chemical compound that can be used as a fertiliser to ensure that plants get the nutrition they need. This can be added to the soil either as a solid or in the form of a solution. However, for certain plants, urea fertiliser can also be applied through a foliar spray.
Molecular formula | CH4N2O |
Molar Mass | 60.06g mol-1 |
Appearance | While Solid |
Density | 1.32 g/cm3 |
Melting Point | 133-135°C |
Flash Point | Non-flammable |
Foliar fertilisation is the method in which the fertiliser is directly sprayed on the leaves of the plant. This helps to take care of a plant’s nutritional needs in a relatively short span of time. There have been a number of studies showing that foliar application of nitrogen-rich fertilisers like urea not only promotes better plant growth but also helps in improving soil fertility. Other than this, a foliar application can also reduce the total quantity of fertiliser required (which also saves money) and minimize nitrogen runoff.
Urea fertiliser is quite suitable for foliar application because of its high solubility. It is absorbed by the leaves very quickly and efficiently. When mixing at normal atmospheric temperatures, you can take equal parts of both urea fertiliser and water to prepare a solution. However, these quantities can vary depending on the desired concentration of the solution. Another important thing you should keep in mind is the amount of nitrogen present in the solution you’ve prepared. There are certain crops for which the quantity of nitrogen applied at one time should not be more than 10 kg per acre. According to several studies, the urea you intend to use should not contain more than 0.25 per cent biuret. If the percentage of biuret is higher than that, it will not be suitable for foliar application.
While preparing a solution, you should always use a measuring cup to get the right volume. When preparing it in larger quantities, you can use a large bottle to measure water. When urea is mixed with water, an endothermic reaction takes place, which means the reactants absorb heat energy from the surroundings and form an end-product. Always stir or shake the mixture until all the urea is dissolved to make sure no particles get settled at the bottom of the container.
Also known as the ‘King of Fertilisers’, urea is definitely one of the best fertilisers used in the agriculture industry. By mixing it with water, you can not only maximize its efficiency but also prevent any type of environmental pollution.
Want to know more about India’s best urea fertilisers and their price? Click Right Here