1、How to Use Urea as Foliar Fertilizer? Boost Crop Yields

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of urea-based foliar fertilizers, exploring the science behind this technique, its benefits and challenges, and offering practical advice on how to use urea as a foliar fertilizer.

2、Photosynthetic Performance and Urea Metabolism After Foliar

Urea application in plants, whether foliar or root-based, relies on the urease enzyme to convert urea into NH4+ and CO2, with Ni serving as an essential cofactor.

3、Foliar urea fertilization of cereals: A review

It has been suggested that there are several potential benefits of providing nitrogen to cereals via the foliage as urea solution.

4、Urea: Nitrogen Fertilizer Use for Healthy Plant Growth

Efficient crop production hinges on effective nutrient management, and nitrogen stands out as a vital element for achieving high yields. Among the various sources of nitrogen, urea fertilizer has gained prominence due to its high nitrogen content, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.

HS1233/HS1233: What Is Urea

In summary, urea-triazone is a slow-release N fertilizer containing 28% total N suitable for both foliar and soil application for commercial vegetable and fruit crops.

Urea Fertilizer

Urea is rapidly hydrolyzed to release of NH (Arnon, 1939) by ubiquitous microbial urease and converted into NO (Arnon, 1939) by nitrifying bacteria (Glibert et al., 2006). In addition, urea is an important molecule in nitrogen recycling and translocation in plants.

Research progress in uptake and metabolism of foliar urea in plants

The effectiveness of foliar application and the efficient assimilation of urea by leaves are influenced by various factors, including foliar structure, environmental conditions, and carbon-nitrogen metabolism.

Types of Foliar Fertilizers and Their Uses in Gardening

Nitrogen is crucial for vegetative growth, chlorophyll production, and photosynthesis. Common forms: Urea, ammonium nitrate solutions. Uses: Applied during early vegetative stages to encourage lush leaf development. Benefits: Promotes green coloration and vigorous growth; corrects nitrogen deficiency symptoms such as yellowing leaves (chlorosis).

Can Urea Be Used As Foliar Fertilizer? Benefits And Risks

Urea, a readily available and cost-effective nitrogen source, holds potential as a foliar fertilizer. When applied correctly, it can provide plants with a rapid boost of nitrogen, leading to increased growth and yield.

Responses of Alfalfa Growth and Nitrogen Utilization to Foliar

Urea concentration is an important factor that affects fertilizer use efficiency in foliar fertilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of urea concentration on alfalfa growth and nitrogen utilization.

Foliar fertilizer is a type of nutrient solution applied directly to the surface of plant leaves, typically used to supplement essential nutrients for plants. Urea is a common nitrogen fertilizer and one of the main components in foliar fertilizers. Below is a detailed explanation of urea as a component of foliar fertilizer:

I. Basic Properties and Functions of Urea

1. Chemical Composition: Urea is an organic compound composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N), with the molecular formula CH₄N₂O. In agriculture, it is primarily used to provide nitrogen (N) required for plant growth.
2. Physical Properties: Urea appears as white crystals, exhibiting hygroscopicity (ability to absorb moisture) and deliquescent properties. It dissolves readily in water at room temperature but decomposes into ammonia (NH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated.
3. Biological Activity: Nitrogen in urea is an essential nutrient for plant growth, promoting stem and leaf development and increasing yield. Additionally, urea improves soil structure and enhances soil fertility.

II. Advantages of Urea as a Foliar Fertilizer Component

1. Rapid Absorption: Urea has high solubility and can be quickly absorbed by plant leaves. Its high water solubility ensures efficient uptake, improving fertilizer utilization rates.
2. High Efficiency: As a nitrogen source, urea directly supplies plants with usable nitrogen, eliminating the need for root absorption or metabolic conversion. This makes foliar application a fast and effective method for nitrogen supplementation.
3. Convenience: Foliar fertilization requires minimal equipment. Simply dilute urea in water to the appropriate concentration and spray it onto leaves. This method saves labor and resources.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other fertilization methods, foliar spraying with urea is economical. Urea is inexpensive, and its immediate effects make it widely adopted in agriculture.

III. Precautions When Using Urea as a Foliar Fertilizer

1. Dilution Ratio: Adjust the urea concentration based on plant species and soil conditions. High concentrations may damage plants.
2. Avoid Overapplication: Urea is a fast-acting nitrogen source but can be toxic at excessive doses. Use moderation to prevent poisoning.
3. Safety Measures: Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) to avoid skin contact or ammonia inhalation. Ensure good ventilation to prevent ammonia accumulation.
4. Synergistic Mixing: Combine urea with other foliar fertilizers (e.g., potassium dihydrogen phosphate) to enhance nutrient balance and effectiveness.

IV. Practical Applications of Urea in Foliar Fertilization

1. Rice Cultivation: Spray urea during the tillering and jointing stages to boost nitrogen uptake. Mix urea with water at the correct ratio and apply evenly to rice leaves.
2. Vegetable Production: Apply urea foliar sprays during the mid-to-late growth stages to improve quality and yield. Dilute urea in water and spray uniformly on vegetable leaves.
3. Fruit Tree Cultivation: Use urea foliar sprays during flowering and fruit enlargement periods to support tree growth and fruit development. Mix urea with water and apply thoroughly to tree leaves.

Urea is a widely used foliar fertilizer component due to its rapid absorption, high efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. proper dilution, dosage control, safety protocols, and synergistic mixing are critical. Scientifically applying urea as a foliar fertilizer effectively addresses plant nutrient needs, enhancing crop yield and quality.