Urea fertilizer stands as one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers globally, praised for its high nitrogen content and cost-efficiency. Its development marked a turning point in modern agriculture, offering farmers a potent solution to meet the nitrogen demands of crops. This guide explores the history, production, and technological evolution of urea fertilizer, while introducing advanced product solutions such as SULPHOMIN, Biofast, and Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE that enhance nitrogen performance.
The story of urea began in 1727 when Dutch chemist Herman Boerhaave first isolated the compound from urine. However, the real breakthrough came in 1828 when German chemist Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea from ammonium cyanate in a laboratory, debunking the theory that organic compounds could only be made by living organisms. This milestone not only initiated the field of organic chemistry but laid the groundwork for the synthetic fertilizer revolution.
Urea, chemically represented as CO(NH2)2, contains 46% nitrogen by weight—the highest nitrogen concentration among solid fertilizers. This high nitrogen ratio made urea fertilizer a logical choice for increasing crop yields efficiently.
Evolution of Urea Fertilizer Production Methods
Over time, urea fertilizer production has shifted from small-scale synthesis to highly efficient, large-scale industrial processes. Modern urea is produced by reacting ammonia (NH3) with carbon dioxide (CO2) under high pressure and temperature:
2NH3 + CO2 ? CO(NH2)2 + H2O
Advancements in reactor design and energy efficiency have led to significant improvements in yield and environmental performance. Urea prilling and granulation technologies now produce uniform, stable, and storage-friendly products.
Urea fertilizer gained widespread global use in the mid-20th century, particularly due to its affordability, solubility, and versatility. Some key adoption milestones include:
1940s-50s: Industrialized countries began adopting urea at scale.
1960s-70s: Rapid growth in developing countries, especially in Asia and Latin America.
1990s-present: Urea became the top nitrogen fertilizer globally, used across cereals, fruits, vegetables, and cash crops.
YaraFert products supported this global trend by offering urea-based blends enhanced with calcium and sulfur for better plant uptake and reduced nitrogen loss.
Role of Urea Fertilizer in the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s was fueled by innovations in crop genetics, irrigation, and most crucially, fertilizers. Urea fertilizer played a foundational role:
Enabled higher crop yields by meeting nitrogen needs efficiently.
Supported multiple cropping systems, especially in rice and wheat.
Offered a cost-effective solution accessible to smallholder farmers.
During this period, the demand for products like SULPHOMIN(45% N, 15% SO3) rose, offering synergistic sulfur and nitrogen combinations that improved plant metabolism and minimized leaching.
Modern Innovations in Urea Fertilizer Technology
In recent decades, innovations have emerged to maximize the efficiency and minimize the environmental risks of urea fertilizer:
1. Stabilized and Coated Urea
Urea coated with sulfur or polymers slows nitrogen release.
Products like Ugarit K-T-S 70 (36% K2O, 70% SO3) contribute potassium and sulfur while minimizing volatilization.
2. Enhanced Urea Formulations
Suspension and gel-based formulations like Biofast(12-12-12 + humic/fulvic acids) improve root zone retention and nutrient uptake.
3. Micronutrient Fortification
Urea blends with trace elements address nutrient deficiencies.
SULFOMIX adds Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B alongside sulfur for complete nutrient profiles.
4. Precision Farming Applications
Integration with GPS and sensors for site-specific urea fertilizer applications.
AI-powered platforms recommend urea dosage based on crop needs and weather patterns.
Benefits of Urea-Based Products in Today’s Farming
Today, farmers can choose from a wide array of advanced urea-based products for optimized performance:
SULPHOMIN – High nitrogen and sulfur for cereals and oilseeds.
Biofast – Balanced macro + organic acids for vegetables and orchards.
foliar products – Increase nitrogen uptake and reduce soil dependency.
These products are designed to:
Reduce nitrogen losses via leaching and volatilization.
Support balanced crop nutrition.
Improve yields while protecting long-term soil health.
Practical Tips for Using Urea Fertilizer Effectively
To get the most out of urea fertilizer, farmers should consider these best practices:
Apply during cooler parts of the day to reduce ammonia volatilization.
Incorporate into the soil rather than leaving on the surface.
Use split applications to match plant growth stages.
Combine with sulfur sources like Sulforex 60 + Cu to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Test soil regularly to determine the correct application rates.
Advancing with Urea Fertilizer into the Future
From its historic synthesis to its central role in modern agriculture, urea fertilizer has continually evolved to meet the demands of food production and sustainability. Today’s solutions—including advanced Yarafert products and comprehensive blends like Ugarit Multi and CALCIMAG reflect a future-oriented approach that maximizes efficiency and environmental care.
Ready to take your fertilization strategy to the next level? Explore our complete range of urea-based fertilizers, contact our agronomy experts for tailored advice, or request a product trial to see how SULPHOMIN, Biofast, and Ugarit formulations can enhance your crop productivity sustainably.
