Urea fertilizer is one of the most widely used nitrogen sources in agriculture. Its popularity stems from its high nitrogen concentration, cost-effectiveness, and versatility across a variety of crops and soils. This comprehensive guide explores the role of nitrogen in urea fertilizer and how it supports vital plant functions such as leaf development, root growth, and chlorophyll production.
Main Nitrogen Compound in Urea Fertilizer
Urea fertilizer is composed of the organic compound CO(NH2)2, with a nitrogen content of approximately 46% by weight—the highest of all solid nitrogenous fertilizers. Upon application, the urea undergoes hydrolysis in the soil to form ammonium carbonate, which then releases nitrogen in the form of ammonium (NH4+) and, eventually, nitrate (NO3-).
Key properties of urea fertilizer’s nitrogen compound:
- Formula: CO(NH2)2
- Nitrogen Content: ~46%
- Solubility: Highly water-soluble
- Conversion: Urea ? Ammonium ? Nitrate
Products like SULPHOMIN (45% N, 15% SO3) are ideal for boosting nitrogen input while simultaneously supplying sulfur—essential for amino acid synthesis.
How Urea Fertilizer Supports Leaf Development
Nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids and proteins, both of which are essential for cell division and elongation in leaf tissues. The nitrogen in urea fertilizer enhances vegetative growth by facilitating the production of new leaves and increasing the surface area for photosynthesis.
Why nitrogen from urea is crucial for leaf development:
- Stimulates chlorophyll synthesis in leaf cells
- Enhances cellular metabolism and protein synthesis
- Promotes lush, green canopy growth
For crops requiring rapid vegetative development, Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE provides a balanced NPK formula with 40% nitrogen to maximize leaf expansion and nutrient uptake efficiency.
Role of Urea Fertilizer in Root Growth
While phosphorus is typically emphasized for root growth, nitrogen also plays an indispensable role. Urea fertilizer supports root elongation and branching by promoting protein and enzyme production. Healthy roots mean better water and nutrient uptake, especially in early growth stages.
Benefits of urea fertilizer for root systems:
- Fuels root cell division and tissue development
- Enhances nutrient transport and uptake efficiency
- Increases resilience to drought and nutrient stress
Complementary products like CALCIMAG, containing nitrogen (15%) along with calcium (22%) and magnesium (3%), support root cell wall formation while urea-driven nitrogen boosts overall root biomass.
READ MORE: How Urea Fertilizer Works: Chemistry Behind the Nutrient
Urea Fertilizer’s Effect on Chlorophyll Production
Nitrogen is a central element in chlorophyll molecules. Urea fertilizer directly influences chlorophyll content, thereby improving photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor. Increased chlorophyll means plants can convert more sunlight into energy, enhancing biomass production and yield.
Functions of nitrogen in chlorophyll synthesis:
- Increases chlorophyll concentration in leaves
- Boosts photosynthesis and energy generation
- Improves crop color, health, and productivity
For long-term chlorophyll optimization, Biofast (12% N, 24% humic acid, 24% fulvic acid) offers both nitrogen and organic stimulants to enhance photosynthesis and microbial activity in the soil.
Nutrient Release Timing in Urea Fertilizer
Understanding the nutrient release pattern of urea fertilizer is key to effective crop nutrition planning. Urea undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis, primarily via the urease enzyme, to convert into usable forms of nitrogen over time.
Stages of nitrogen release in urea fertilizer:
- Hydrolysis (0–4 days): Urea is broken down into ammonium carbonate
- Ammonification (2–7 days): Ammonium is formed and becomes available to plants
- Nitrification (7–14+ days): Ammonium oxidizes into nitrate, a mobile form absorbed by roots
To optimize release timing and minimize leaching, Yarafert products with stabilized urea formulas can be applied in synchronization with crop demand phases, especially for high-efficiency fertilization programs.
READ MORE: Urea Fertilizer: The History and Development
Best Practices for Using Urea Fertilizer
To maximize the benefits of urea fertilizer, it is essential to follow proper application techniques and consider environmental factors:
Before applying urea fertilizer, consider the following key practices:
- Incorporate into soil to reduce volatilization
- Time application before rainfall or irrigation
- Split applications to match plant growth stages
- Combine with sulfur (e.g., SULFOMIX, 11% S) for protein synthesis and enzyme activity
- Use organic-enhanced formulas like Ugarit 10-0-5+ 70% OM for improved soil structure and microbial support
| Product Name | Nitrogen (%) | Additional Nutrients | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULPHOMIN | 45% | 15% SO3, 25% organic matter | Liquid |
| CALCIMAG | 15% | 22% CaO, 3% MgO, 0.5% B | Liquid |
| Biofast | 12% | 12% P2O5, 12% K2O, 24% HA, 24% FA | Gel |
| Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE | 40% | 10% P2O5, 10% K2O, Trace Elements | Suspension |
| Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% OM | 10% | 5% K2O, 70% OM, 2% CaO, 2% S | Granular |
Real-World Use Cases and Crop Recommendations
Urea fertilizer is commonly used across a wide range of field and horticultural crops. Here are a few examples of how its nutrient properties align with specific crop demands:
- Cereal crops: Ugarit Cereal (15% N, 2% Cu) supports tillering and protein synthesis
- Grapes: Ugarit Grapes enhances leaf expansion and fruit quality
- Strawberries: Biofast and Ugarit Strawberry provide combined nitrogen and potassium nutrition to support fruit development
- Root vegetables: CALCIMAG ensures strong root systems and cell wall integrity
Conclusion
Urea fertilizer remains an essential input for boosting crop yield and plant health due to its high nitrogen content, efficient release profile, and compatibility with a wide range of crops. When integrated with complementary products such as SULPHOMIN, Biofast, and Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE, it forms the backbone of any efficient crop nutrition plan.
To optimize your fertilization strategy with premium-grade urea-based solutions:
- Explore our full line of nitrogen-rich products tailored to different crop stages.
- Consult with our agronomy team to develop a customized nutrient management plan.
- Visit our website to learn how [Your Product Name] and YaraFert solutions can elevate your crop yields today.
For tailored support or to place an order, contact our technical sales team now.
READ MORE: Urea Fertilizer: A Key Nitrogen Source for Modern Agriculture