Urea is a widely used fertilizer in agriculture. Farmers often inquire about the time it takes for urea to become effective after fertilization and its overall duration of effectiveness. Here, we explore these aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding of urea’s role in crop cultivation.
1. Time for Urea to Take Effect After Fertilization
Urea, classified as an organic nitrogen fertilizer, requires a certain processing time before crops can absorb and utilize it effectively. This involves hydrolyzing urea into compounds such as ammonium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate through the action of soil urease. Generally, this process takes approximately 7-10 days after topdressing. The specific duration is influenced by factors such as soil pH, temperature, and moisture content.
Optimal conditions, including suitable moisture and higher soil temperatures, expedite the conversion of urea. For instance, at around 10°C, complete conversion to ammonium nitrogen takes approximately 7-10 days. At 20°C, this duration reduces to about 4-5 days, and at 30°C, it further shortens to about 2-3 days.
2. Duration of Urea Fertilizer’s Effect
Despite being a fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer, urea exhibits a prolonged fertilizer effect period. The duration of this period depends on the type of urea used. Conventional urea typically has a fertilizer utilization rate of around 35%, with an effect period lasting about 40-60 days. In contrast, certain long-acting urea variants boast a more extended effect period, reaching up to 100-130 days.
3. Enhancing the Effectiveness Period of Urea Fertilizer
Improving the fertilizer effect period of urea involves considering farming practices and fertilization techniques. Deep fertilization, timely top dressing, and formula fertilization are effective measures to address this. Additionally, modifying urea into a long-acting, slow-release, and high-utilization form contributes significantly to extending its fertilizer efficiency period. This specialized urea fertilizer not only doubles the effectiveness period but also enhances nitrogen utilization rates by up to 10%.
In conclusion, understanding the factors influencing the effectiveness and duration of urea fertilizer is crucial for optimizing its application in agriculture. Implementing appropriate farming practices and exploring advanced urea formulations can contribute to more sustainable and efficient crop cultivation.