Urea (carbamide): instructions for using fertilizer in the garden and in the garden

The principle of action of urea for feeding seedlings

The principle of operation of urea is based on the action of the enzyme urease, which is secreted by bacteria. As a result of the first reaction, ammonia and carbon dioxide are released. Next, an oxidation reaction occurs with the participation of Nitrosomonas bacteria with the formation of nitrite, followed by its oxidation into nitrate.

Urea is used primarily for root feeding. At a minimum, the product should penetrate the soil to a depth of 7-8 cm. Otherwise, the likelihood of burning plant tissue increases. A prerequisite for maintaining nitrogen concentration is the use of urea in an acidic environment. Alkaline and neutral soil is not suitable for it. Foliar feeding is acceptable, but only in situations where fruit ovaries fall off.

What is liquid urea and what is it for?

This type of feeding is a product formed at the final stage of the protein metabolism process. In fact, it is an organic drug synthesized artificially. Urea is a mineral fertilizer for both garden crops and garden plants, containing a high concentration of nitrogen. This element makes up over 40 percent of the total composition of the fertilizer. Nitrogen is essential for healthy plant development and growth. With a lack of nitrogen, the leaves of garden crops fall off, they grow slower than usual, and look lethargic. It saturates the treated trees and other plants with nitrogen, providing them with all the necessary conditions.

The main active ingredient of urea is the amide form of nitrogen. After entering the soil, it is first converted into ammonia form, and then into nitrate form. Thus, nitrogen is supplied to the plant through the soil in uniform doses over a long period of time. This feature ensures a stable long-term effect from the use of urea.

Compatibility of urea with plants

Urea is useful for vegetable crops, trees, berries and flowers.

Tomatoes. For the first feeding, use a urea solution to spray the above-ground parts of the plants only before flowering begins.

Cucumbers. In direct form, urea granules are applied to the soil before sowing seeds. As the seedlings grow, the seedlings are sprayed with a urea solution.

Peppers. Urea is considered the first fertilizer when growing seedlings in loam. Use a low concentration solution to spray on the leaf.

Cabbage. Urea is laid out on the garden bed 1-2 weeks before planting seedlings in open ground.

Eggplants . Urea is indicated for this crop only after transplanting into the ground and only if the plants are weakened.

Zucchini. When growing zucchini, urea is added when filling the soil. It is used as a top dressing along with potash fertilizers.

Potato. Dry in the ground 2 weeks before planting or dissolved 5 days after.

Strawberry. Urea is used during the first spring feeding as a growth stimulator.

Fruit trees . Spraying with urea solution is carried out at the stage of leaf blossoming.

Cherry. Root feeding is carried out in early spring, followed by spraying after flowering.

Flowers. Used during periods of active growth. Contraindicated for asters, nasturtiums, marigolds, hyacinths, lilies, daffodils, and tulips.

High nitrogen requirement

• cucumbers;
• cabbage;
• celery;
• onion;
• large ornamental crops;
• raspberries.

Moderate needs

• tomatoes;
• eggplant;
• greenery;
• corn;
• strawberries, strawberries;
• gooseberries and black currants.

When should fertilizer be used?

The following signs serve as a signal to fertilize plants with nitrogen-containing compounds:

• The growth rate of trees and shrubs is greatly slowed down.
• The plant produces many new thin, lifeless shoots.
• The leaves are smaller than usual. The color of the leaves is yellowish.
• There are few flowers, and they are weak and do not open completely.

All the symptoms described indicate that the plant does not have enough nitrogen and requires feeding. Feeding with a urea solution will solve these problems and return shrubs and trees to a healthy appearance.

Spraying with urea solution is also used to increase the number of ovaries. To ensure the maximum number of flowers, during the flowering period the plant must be treated with a weak solution of urea from a sprayer. The solution is prepared in the proportion of 10 grams of urea per 1 liter of water.

Advantages of using urea for seedlings

• Urea saturates plant tissues with nitrogen, resulting in increased growth of green mass and improved fruit quality.
• After feeding, the percentage of protein increases.
• Treatment of seedlings planted in the ground with urea increases the plant's immunity and resistance to disease.
• Urea nitrogen is considered the easiest for plants to digest.
• Urea, unlike other nitrogen-containing fertilizers, is used for foliar treatment without causing burns on the leaves.
• Weeds grow less on urea-treated soil.

The difference between urea and ammonium nitrate

Urea is the main type of fertilizer containing nitrogen in its composition. But there are other nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Among them, ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate) is widely known. Despite the similarity of the composition, which includes nitrogen, they have clear differences:

Despite the cost-effectiveness of using ammonium nitrate as a fertilizer, which is cheap and economical in consumption, experienced gardeners prefer urea fertilizer. Due to its explosive nature, ammonium nitrate is difficult to purchase on the regular market, which makes urea very popular among gardeners.

Feeding instructions

Urea is used for the following purposes:

• carrying out root and foliar feeding;
• protection from pests and diseases.

Application time

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied exclusively before flowering. The main purpose of urea is to stimulate the formation of green mass to the detriment of the formation of buds and ovaries.

In autumn, it is not advisable to add urea to the soil. There is a complete decomposition of ammonium and an increase in the concentration of nitrogen in the deep layers of the soil beyond the reach of the root system of most plants. During digging or plowing, the addition of urea is permissible on sandy loam and sandy soils. In autumn (October-November), it is recommended to use urea to spray fruit trees to kill pest larvae.

Conditions for using urea

Urea is used for nitrogen starvation of plants. The signs are:

1. Yellowing of leaves.
2. Small leaf blades.
3. Weak shoots.
4. Growth retardation.

In fruit plants, a symptom of nitrogen deficiency is the delayed formation of young shoots. In vegetable crops there is deformation of fruits.

Signs of excess nitrogen :

1. Development of a powerful vegetative mass.
2. Delayed formation of flowers and ovaries.
3. Freezing of fruit trees and berry fields in winter with slight frosts.
4. Rotting of fruits and tubers during storage.

Methods of use

Urea is applied as a fertilizer:

1. Under the root using a dry method or a solution.
2. Spraying on the leaf.

The norms are indicated for dilution in 10 liters of water. 10 g – 1 tbsp. granules One matchbox – 15 g of urea.

When carrying out eradication spraying for trees and shrubs in the fall, urea is diluted at the rate of 400 g per 20 liters of water. This concentration is detrimental to many insect pests and infections. Spring treatment requires a more concentrated solution (600 g per 20 liters of water).

As a standard, regardless of the type of plant, urea for spraying is diluted in a dosage of 10-15 g per 10 liters of water. Herbaceous crops are treated with a less concentrated solution. The substance levels are indicated in the instructions for use of the fertilizer.

What causes excessive application of urea?

Any fertilizer is good in moderation. Excessive enthusiasm for “feeding” plants can lead to negative consequences. Strict adherence is required: fertilizer proportions, time of application to the soil, and most importantly, the need for fertilizer. Excessive enrichment of the soil with nitrogen can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the plant, affecting its fruiting and growth. The death of the entire plant is possible. In order not to harm the plant, you should carefully read the detailed instructions for using urea as a fertilizer.

Advantages and disadvantages of fertilizing with urea

Like any fertilizer, urea has its advantages and disadvantages, which are worth familiarizing yourself with before you begin processing.

Pros:

• increases resistance to diseases;
• protects against pests;
• improves fruit quality and yield;
• increases the number of ovaries;
• compensates for nitrogen deficiency;
• the tree recovers more easily after winter;
• gives quick results.

Minuses:

• reduces soil acidity;
• under the influence of UV it quickly decomposes, nitrogen evaporates;
• After spraying, it is easily washed off by rain.

Possible mistakes

Working with urea does not require special skills, but mistakes are still possible. To avoid common mistakes, take note of a few tips:

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage. In response to an excess of nitrogen, seedlings readily form a lush green mass, but at the same time they bloom weakly and subsequently bear scanty fruit.
• To feed young plants, use a liquid urea solution: a stronger one for watering, a less concentrated one for spraying on the leaves.
• Applying urea over melted snow (a very popular technique among beginners) is ineffective, since most of the substances beneficial to plants will be washed away by melt water.
• Urea acidifies the soil, so 2 weeks before or 2 weeks before nitrogen fertilizing, the soil on the site is filled with chalk (0.4 kg for every 0.5 kg of urea). Keep in mind that mixing urea with lime, dolomite flour and simple superphosphate is unacceptable.

Based on the above facts, we can conclude: urea is an effective universal fertilizer, the use of which, subject to certain rules, will help you grow strong seedlings and achieve consistently high yields.

Date: 05/06/2019.

Pros and cons of urea

The positive properties of this type of fertilizer include:

• The nitrogen contained in urea is easily absorbed by plants;
• A significant advantage of urea compared to other fertilizers is that it does not cause leaf burns;
• A urea solution can be used both to treat the soil and the plant itself;
• Urea does not contain ammonia, so it can be sprayed onto the soil surface.

The main disadvantage of urea is unsatisfactory application results at low urease levels in the soil. In such cases, additional application of organic fertilizers is required to achieve the desired result. Urea is extremely sensitive to storage conditions. Absolute dryness is required at the location of the fertilizer, because... it easily absorbs moisture and dissolves in water.

Liquid urea is an affordable fertilizer option that has a very wide range of applications. With its help, you can not only enrich the soil with nitrogen, but also increase the number of ovaries and get rid of insect pests. When used correctly, this type of fertilizing ensures good growth of both garden and vegetable crops and guarantees a good harvest.

How to use urea?

Urea is widely used in farms, garden plots, and summer cottages. The fertilizer quickly produces results, and preparing the working composition is not difficult.

Urea is used:

• as nitrogen fertilizing;
• for treating plantings against pests and diseases.

Urea as a fertilizer

As a top dressing, an aqueous solution is prepared or urea granules are embedded in the soil. Urea in the soil is converted to ammonium and then to ammonia gas. If the granules are simply scattered on the surface of the soil, then the beneficial compounds will evaporate and there will be no effect from fertilizing. Therefore, when the granules are scattered, they are embedded in the soil to a depth of at least 8-11 cm. This is especially important to do on soils with alkaline or neutral acidity levels.

Urea as protection against pests

With the arrival of spring warmth, garden plantings are threatened by pests creeping out from their wintering grounds. Active activity is observed in aphids, weevils, and copperheads, and in this case, urea can help as a poison against dangerous insects.

Prepare an aqueous solution and then spray the bushes, berry fields, and fruit trees in the garden. Judging by the reviews of gardeners, urea is an excellent remedy for treating trees against insidious scab or raspberry bushes, roses against purple spot (didimella). Aqueous solutions are used to spray the plantings in early spring (before sap flow begins).

Why do you need to spray apple trees with urea in the spring?

Urea contains up to 42-46% nitrogen, which is necessary for apple trees for normal growth and crown development. The product protects the tree from pests. Urea is used in the fight against copperhead, aphids and weevils. The main thing is to treat the plant correctly so that the product penetrates into the cracks in the bark.

In addition, fertilizer increases the crop's resistance to fungal and viral infections. Experienced gardeners recommend treating apple trees with urea in the spring against burns, purple spotting, and scab. To get the maximum benefit, urea should be used within the time limits strictly specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, fertilizer, on the contrary, will cause a decrease in yield.

When to spray apple trees with urea in spring

It is recommended to spray the garden with urea before the buds begin to bloom. In this case, you should wait until the average daily air temperature rises to +5ᵒC and will remain at this level for several days.

Gardeners who have been using urea for several years claim that spraying activates the awakening of apple trees from winter sleep and stimulates leaf formation.

Precautionary measures

When working with urea solution, it is necessary to comply with safety requirements.
Before preparing the fertilizer, prepare thoroughly, wear a mask, gloves and safety glasses. During the procedure, eating or drinking, as well as smoking, are contraindicated.

When the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract, after a while the person feels unwell: suffocation, weakness, nausea. If one or several of these signs appear, it is recommended to rinse your mouth and go out into fresh air. If the gardener’s health worsens, it is necessary to call an ambulance.

Any product that gets on the skin or mucous membranes must be immediately washed off with running water. After completing the fertilizing procedure, you should immediately take a shower, change things, including underwear, and wash them.