Urea fertilizer is one of the most widely used nitrogen sources in global agriculture, valued for its high nitrogen content, cost-efficiency, and compatibility with various cropping systems. Whether in pure, coated, or blended form, urea fertilizer delivers essential nitrogen to crops at critical growth stages. This article explores the different types of urea fertilizer, their benefits, and how to select the right formulation for specific crop and soil needs. Throughout the discussion, we’ll also highlight product options—such as YaraFert solutions—that enhance urea fertilizer performance and environmental safety.

Overview of Common Urea Fertilizer Types

Urea (chemical formula: CO(NH?)?) contains 46% nitrogen, making it one of the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizers available. It is versatile and can be applied in solid, granular, liquid, or coated forms.

Here are the primary types of urea fertilizers commonly used in agriculture:

• Granular Urea: Widely applied before sowing or as a topdressing. Requires incorporation into soil to minimize volatilization.
• Prilled Urea: Smaller, more uniform particles used in foliar sprays or fertigation.
• Liquid Urea Solutions: Often used in fertigation systems for precision application and rapid uptake.
• Coated Urea: Slow- or controlled-release formulations designed to extend nitrogen availability.

SULPHOMIN (45% N, 15% SO?) exemplifies a high-nitrogen, liquid urea formulation with added sulfur, which enhances nitrogen assimilation and reduces losses.

When to Use Coated Urea Fertilizer

Coated or stabilized urea fertilizers are designed to address one of the main challenges of urea application: nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization, leaching, or denitrification. These formulations release nitrogen gradually, making them ideal for crops with prolonged nutrient demands or in climates with high rainfall.

Ideal situations for coated urea:

• Sandy or porous soils: Reduce leaching risk by slowly releasing nitrogen.
• Long-season crops: Support steady growth without frequent reapplications.
• Dry or windy regions: Minimize volatilization loss from surface-applied fertilizer.

For growers seeking stability and prolonged efficiency, Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% Organic Matter (with 10% N and 70% organic content) provides a buffered nitrogen source enriched with humic and fulvic acids, ideal for sustainable soil fertility.

Urea Fertilizer Blends and Their Benefits

Blending urea with other macro- and micronutrients creates multifunctional fertilizers that meet crop-specific nutritional demands. These blends optimize nutrient availability, reduce application labor, and correct deficiencies simultaneously.

Below is a contextual introduction to various urea blends and their benefits:

• Balanced NPK Blends: Products like Biofast Gel (12-12-12 + 24% humic/fulvic) combine nitrogen with phosphorus and potassium, supporting all-around vegetative and reproductive growth.
• High-Nitrogen Formulas: Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE delivers an intense nitrogen boost with trace elements, ideal for leafy vegetables and cereals during early growth stages.
• Crop-Specific Blends: Ugarit Cereal (15% N + 2% Cu) supplies tailored nitrogen and micronutrients for grain crops to enhance tillering and disease resistance.

These combinations ensure each nutrient synergizes with nitrogen for better uptake and crop performance, especially under varying environmental stresses.

Specialized Urea Fertilizer for Different Crops

Each crop has distinct nitrogen requirements in timing, form, and concentration. Customized urea-based fertilizers help meet these unique needs while promoting efficient use.

Here’s how different urea formulations align with crop-specific demands:

• Fruits (e.g., Grapes, Strawberries): Require balanced NPK with micronutrients. Use Ugarit Grapes and Ugarit Strawberry (20% P?O?, 25% K?O) to maintain fruit set and size while complementing urea-based nitrogen.
• Root Vegetables (e.g., Beets): Benefit from nitrogen blended with boron and magnesium. Ugarit Beet supports root expansion and sugar accumulation.
• Leafy Greens: High nitrogen demands met efficiently by CALCIMAG (15% N, 22% CaO, 3% MgO), promoting chlorophyll synthesis and leaf density.
• Cereal Crops: Require high initial nitrogen followed by consistent feeding. Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE serves as a multi-phase blend for complete early-season support.

Proper timing is crucial: urea should be applied at key stages such as pre-sowing, tillering, and pre-flowering, with foliar applications enhancing rapid uptake.

Choosing the Right Urea Fertilizer Formulation

Selecting the appropriate urea fertilizer depends on several agronomic and environmental factors. Here’s a structured decision-making approach to help guide your choice:

Consider the following when choosing a urea formulation:

• Crop Type and Stage:
  • For early vegetative growth: Use high-nitrogen blends like Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE.
  • For fruiting: Shift toward Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE to balance nitrogen with potassium.
• Soil Properties:
  • In acidic soils: Incorporate CALCIMAG to buffer pH and improve nitrogen use.
  • In sulfur-deficient areas: Apply SULFOMIX (11% S) to synergize with urea.
• Irrigation Practices:
  • For drip systems: Use liquid urea fertilizers like SULPHOMIN or Ugarit Multi for easy solubility and uptake.
  • For rain-fed fields: Granular options with slow-release coatings are more suitable.
• Environmental Considerations:
  • To reduce leaching and volatilization, prefer coated urea or urea-sulfur blends such as Ugarit K-T-S 25 and Ugarit K-T-S 70.

Sample Product Comparison Table

Final Thoughts on Urea Fertilizer Efficiency

Urea fertilizer continues to be a cornerstone of modern plant nutrition. Its adaptability across forms, crops, and systems makes it an indispensable nitrogen source. However, to maximize returns and sustainability, growers must choose the right type of urea fertilizer for their unique conditions and apply it with precision.

Yarafert’s diverse product range—including SULPHOMIN, Ugarit Cereal, Biofast, and Ugarit 10-0-5 + OM—offers versatile, scientifically formulated solutions that go beyond nitrogen delivery to enhance uptake, reduce losses, and promote soil health.

Are you using the most effective urea fertilizer for your crops?

? Explore our full range of urea-based and blended fertilizers
? Contact our agronomy team for personalized recommendations
? Optimize your fertilization strategy today with YaraFert solutions

Visit our website now to find the best formulation for your farm’s success.