Urea fertilizer is one of the most widely used nitrogen sources in agriculture, providing 46% nitrogen in a concentrated, cost-effective form. Its versatility allows farmers to apply it in different ways, with spraying and broadcasting being the most common. Choosing the right method impacts efficiency, crop yield, and nutrient availability.
This guide explains how urea fertilizer application methods work, compares spraying with broadcasting, and explores crop responses under each technique. Along the way, we’ll show how complementary solutions like YaraFert’s SULFOMIX, Biofast, Ugarit series, CALCIMAG, and Sulforex can maximize efficiency when paired with urea.
How Spraying Urea Fertilizer Works
Spraying involves dissolving urea fertilizer in water and applying it directly to leaves or the soil surface using sprayers. This method provides faster absorption and targeted delivery.
Key steps in spraying urea fertilizer:
- Dissolve urea granules in water, typically at concentrations of 2–4%.
- Add complementary micronutrients, such as SULFOMIX (Fe, Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu, B, S, Mo), for balanced foliar nutrition.
- Apply during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) to reduce evaporation.
Spraying works particularly well in high-value crops like vegetables, grapes, and strawberries. Pairing with products such as Ugarit Strawberry (P?O? 20%, K?O 25%) improves fruit quality and uniformity.
When to Use Urea Fertilizer Broadcasting
Broadcasting means spreading urea fertilizer granules evenly over the soil surface, either manually or mechanically. This traditional method remains popular for cereals and large-scale crops.
Broadcasting is best suited for:
- Wheat and rice fields, where uniform nitrogen coverage is required.
- Pre-planting soil enrichment, ensuring nitrogen is available during early growth.
- Large-scale operations, where spraying may not be cost-effective.
Farmers often enhance broadcasting efficiency by incorporating blended solutions like Biofast (12-12-12 + humic and fulvic acids), which reduce nitrogen losses while supporting root vigor.
READ MORE Slow-Release Urea Fertilizer vs. Conventional Urea Fertilizer: What’s the Difference?
Efficiency of Sprayed vs. Broadcast Urea Fertilizer
The choice between spraying and broadcasting urea fertilizer depends on nutrient-use efficiency, crop requirements, and soil conditions.
| Method | Efficiency (%) | Best Use Cases | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spraying | 60–80% | Vegetables, fruits, cash crops | Labor-intensive, requires water |
| Broadcasting | 40–60% | Cereals, sugarcane, maize | Higher nitrogen losses via volatilization |
Spraying generally improves nitrogen-use efficiency by delivering nutrients directly to the plant. Broadcasting, while more practical in large fields, can lose up to 40% nitrogen through volatilization and leaching.
Using sulfur-enriched products like SULPHOMIN (N 45%, SO? 15%) or Ugarit K-T-S 70 (K?O 36%, SO? 70%) alongside urea helps reduce these losses, improving overall efficiency.
Equipment Needed for Urea Fertilizer Application Methods
The effectiveness of urea fertilizer application depends heavily on the tools used. Farmers should invest in proper equipment for accuracy and consistency.
For spraying urea fertilizer:
- Knapsack sprayers for small plots.
- Tractor-mounted boom sprayers for larger fields.
- Tank mixers for dissolving urea and products like Ugarit DKP (P?O? 33%, K?O 44%).
For broadcasting urea fertilizer:
- Hand spreaders for small-scale farming.
- Rotary or spinner spreaders for uniform distribution.
- Mechanized spreaders for large farms, often used in combination with blends like Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE.
Choosing the right equipment ensures consistent application, prevents nutrient clustering, and enhances the performance of both urea and complementary fertilizers.
READ MORE Granular vs. Liquid Urea: Pros and Cons
Crop Response to Different Urea Fertilizer Techniques
Different crops respond uniquely to sprayed versus broadcast urea fertilizer. Field studies highlight the following patterns:
- Cereal crops (Wheat, Rice, Maize):
Broadcasting remains the dominant method, but integrating Ugarit Cereal (N 15%, Cu 2%) alongside urea improves grain protein and yield stability. - Vegetables (Tomato, Pepper, Onion):
Spraying urea with Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE enhances fruit set, color, and marketability. - Fruit crops (Grapes, Strawberries):
Spraying provides better results, especially when combined with Ugarit Grapes (Cu, Mg, Mn, Zn) or Ugarit Strawberry, leading to improved taste and post-harvest shelf life. - Sugarcane and cotton:
Broadcasting urea with Ugarit K-T-S 25 (K?O 36%, SO? 25%) boosts stalk strength and sugar recovery. - Root crops (Beet):
Blending broadcast urea with Ugarit Beet (Zn, Cu, Mo, Mg, B?O?) improves root formation and reduces hollowing.
Why Complement Urea Fertilizer with Balanced Nutrition?
While urea fertilizer provides nitrogen, crops require a balanced supply of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients for optimal performance. Supplementing urea with tailored YaraFert products ensures crops don’t face hidden deficiencies.
- For sulfur synergy: Sulforex 80 + S enhances protein formation and improves nitrogen efficiency.
- For balanced NPK: Ugarit 25-25-25 + TE provides complete macro-nutrition alongside urea.
- For calcium and magnesium support: CALCIMAG (N 15%, CaO 22%, MgO 3%) strengthens cell walls and improves nutrient uptake.
- For high-value crops: Biofast (12-12-12 + humic and fulvic acids) improves soil structure and enhances root activity.
When integrated with urea, these products ensure nitrogen translates into yield and quality rather than being lost to volatilization or leaching.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between spraying and broadcasting urea fertilizer depends on crop type, field size, and resource availability. Spraying is more efficient for high-value crops and precision farming, while broadcasting suits cereals and large-scale systems. Either way, efficiency improves dramatically when urea fertilizer is paired with complementary YaraFert products such as SULFOMIX, Biofast, Ugarit series, CALCIMAG, and Sulforex.
? Ready to maximize your crop yields? Explore our range of YaraFert solutions today or contact our expert team for tailored fertilizer recommendations that fit your crops, soil, and farming goals.
READ MORE: Urea vs. Ammonium Nitrate: Which Fertilizer Is Better?