Urea is the most widely used and common nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural practices. Its high nitrogen content, stable physical properties, and low volatility make it a popular choice among farmers. However, despite its widespread use, many farmers still have misconceptions about how to apply it properly. This article aims to clarify these misunderstandings and help farmers maximize the benefits of urea for better crop yields.
First, let's look at some common application errors:
1. Watering immediately after applying urea. Some farmers believe that watering right after application helps the fertilizer dissolve faster and be absorbed by plants more quickly. In reality, urea cannot be directly taken up by plants. It needs to be converted into ammonium carbonate first, which occurs through microbial activity in the soil. If you water immediately after applying urea, it may leach away with the water or get washed into deeper soil layers where it becomes unavailable to the plants. This not only leads to nutrient loss but also reduces the effectiveness of the fertilizer.
2. Applying urea on the surface without burying it. Some farmers skip the step of covering the urea after application, thinking that since urea is relatively stable and non-volatile, it doesn't need to be buried. However, this is a major mistake. When urea is left exposed on the soil surface, it can quickly convert into ammonium carbonate under the influence of moisture and microorganisms, leading to significant losses due to volatilization. Even though urea itself isn’t highly volatile, once it changes form, it becomes more prone to loss. This practice is essentially wasting both time and resources.
Now, here are the correct application methods:
The best way to apply urea safely and effectively is to choose a sunny day and dig a shallow trench or a small hole (about 7–10 cm deep). After placing the urea in the trench, cover it with soil to prevent it from being exposed. For summer applications, wait 2–3 days before re-watering. In winter, it’s advisable to re-irrigate every 6–8 days to ensure the fertilizer remains effective and available to the crops. Following these steps will help maintain the efficiency of urea and improve overall crop performance.
Buckwheat Cold Noodles,Handmade Buckwheat Cold Noodles,Cold Soba Noodle,Cold Soba Noodles With Cucumber
YANBIAN ALALI FOOD CO. LTD , https://www.alalinoodles.com