Urea fertilizer is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers in modern agriculture. With its high nitrogen content (46% N), cost efficiency, and ease of application, it has become a cornerstone for crop nutrition. However, improper use of urea fertilizer often leads to nutrient loss, reduced yields, and environmental harm. Understanding common mistakes and how to avoid them is essential for farmers aiming to maximize both efficiency and sustainability.
This guide explores the most frequent errors when applying urea fertilizer and provides practical strategies, including complementary solutions such as Yarafert products like SULFOMIX, Biofast, and Ugarit blends, which help enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance.
Overapplying Urea Fertilizer and Its Risks
One of the most common mistakes in crop management is applying excessive amounts of urea fertilizer. While nitrogen is vital for plant growth, balance is key. Overapplication not only wastes resources but also poses risks:
- Nitrate leaching: Excess nitrogen moves into groundwater, leading to contamination.
- Lodging in cereals: Over-fertilized wheat, rice, and barley become prone to lodging, reducing harvest efficiency.
- Soil acidification: Continuous high doses of urea acidify the soil, depleting essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Overuse increases nitrous oxide release, a potent greenhouse gas.
? To prevent these risks, farmers can complement nitrogen from urea fertilizer with balanced nutrition products. For example, Biofast (12-12-12 + humic and fulvic acids) provides a complete NPK profile with organic matter, improving nutrient uptake while reducing nitrogen dependence. Similarly, Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE ensures crops receive a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium alongside trace elements.
Applying Urea Fertilizer Under Dry Conditions
Moisture is crucial for effective nitrogen release from urea fertilizer. When applied under dry conditions, urea undergoes volatilization, where nitrogen escapes into the atmosphere as ammonia gas. This leads to significant nutrient loss and reduced fertilizer efficiency.
To avoid this, farmers should:
- Apply urea fertilizer before rainfall or irrigation.
- Incorporate it into the soil through light tillage.
- Use urease inhibitors where available.
Complementary solutions also reduce volatilization risks. For instance:
- SULPHOMIX supplies secondary and micronutrients such as sulfur (11%), zinc (3%), and iron (6%) that improve nutrient uptake in stress conditions.
- Ugarit Multi (K 30%, S 32%, Ca 10%) enhances soil structure and supports crop growth in dry or saline conditions.
READ MORE: Best Time to Apply Urea Fertilizer Based on Crop Type
Mixing Urea Fertilizer With Incompatible Materials
Another common mistake is blending urea fertilizer with materials that reduce its effectiveness. Urea should not be mixed with strong alkaline fertilizers (like lime or calcium ammonium nitrate) because they accelerate nitrogen loss through volatilization. Similarly, mixing with superphosphate can cause caking and nutrient imbalance.
When farmers require multi-nutrient solutions, it is better to choose scientifically formulated blends instead of direct mixing. For example:
- Ugarit K-T-S 25 (36% K?O, 25% SO?) complements nitrogen from urea fertilizer by supplying potassium and sulfur.
- CALCIMAG (15% N, 22% CaO, 3% MgO) provides calcium and magnesium, addressing deficiencies that arise from prolonged urea use.
- SULPHOMIN (45% N, 15% SO?, 25% organic matter) offers a balanced nitrogen source enriched with organic matter for better soil health.
These integrated products reduce incompatibility risks while delivering balanced crop nutrition.
Ignoring Timing in Urea Fertilizer Schedules
The timing of urea fertilizer application is just as important as the dosage. Applying it too early or too late reduces its efficiency and can harm crops.
- Early applications risk nitrogen leaching before crops can absorb it.
- Late applications may lead to excessive vegetative growth, delaying flowering and fruiting.
Best practices include:
- Splitting urea fertilizer into multiple doses aligned with crop growth stages.
- Coordinating applications with irrigation schedules.
- Using complementary nutrient boosters at critical stages.
For instance:
- During early growth, Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE supports rapid vegetative development.
- During flowering and fruiting, Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE ensures potassium supply for fruit set and quality.
- Specialty solutions like Ugarit Strawberry (20% P?O?, 25% K?O) or Ugarit Grapes (Cu, MgO, Mn, Zn) provide targeted nutrition for high-value crops.
This integrated schedule reduces nitrogen loss and maximizes crop performance.
READ MORE: How to Apply Urea Fertilizer for Maximum Crop Yield
How to Safely Store Urea Fertilizer
Improper storage of urea fertilizer reduces its quality and effectiveness. Because urea is highly hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the air, leading to clumping, reduced solubility, and difficulty in application.
To store urea fertilizer safely:
- Keep it in dry, well-ventilated storage facilities.
- Avoid direct contact with concrete floors—use pallets or protective plastic sheets.
- Seal bags properly after opening.
- Do not mix storage with ammonium nitrate or strong oxidizers.
Complementary solutions such as liquid formulations (Sulforex 80 + S or Phosphoric Acid 85%) can serve as alternatives where storage conditions are challenging, since they are easier to handle and reduce losses compared to solid urea.
Quick Reference: Nutrient Contributions from Yarafert Products
Below is a summary of select Yarafert solutions that complement urea fertilizer use:
| Product Name | Key Nutrients (%) | Form | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULFOMIX | Fe 6, Zn 3, MgO 3, Mn 2, Cu 2, B 3, S 11 | Suspension | Boosts micronutrient availability |
| Biofast | N 12, P?O? 12, K?O 12, Humic 24, Fulvic 24 | Gel | Improves soil fertility & nutrient uptake |
| Ugarit K-T-S 25 | K?O 36, SO? 25 | Liquid | Enhances potassium & sulfur supply |
| CALCIMAG | N 15, CaO 22, MgO 3, B 0.5 | Liquid | Prevents Ca & Mg deficiencies |
| Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE | N 40, P?O? 10, K?O 10 | Suspension | Boosts early growth |
| Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE | N 10, P?O? 10, K?O 40 | Suspension | Improves fruiting & quality |
Final Thoughts
Using urea fertilizer effectively requires more than just applying nitrogen—it demands a balanced approach to crop nutrition, timing, and storage. Avoiding overapplication, preventing losses under dry conditions, ensuring compatibility, and using strategic schedules are essential steps toward sustainable farming.
Yarafert solutions such as SULFOMIX, Biofast, Ugarit blends, and CALCIMAG provide farmers with scientifically designed nutrient packages that complement urea fertilizer and improve overall efficiency.
? Ready to take your fertilization strategy to the next level?
- Explore our Yarafert product range to find solutions tailored to your crops.
- Contact our team for expert guidance on integrated nutrient management.
- Start optimizing your use of urea fertilizer today for higher yields and healthier soils.
READ MORE: Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers: Where Does Urea Fit In?