Carbamide (urea): the use of fertilizer in the garden and vegetable garden as a top dressing, against pests and plant diseases

Description

Urea is a concentrated nitrogen fertilizer, in the form of small, instant granules of white or transparent color. The substance is odorless. As the temperature increases, the solubility of the granules increases.

Kinds

Urea as a fertilizer has one composition, therefore it is not divided into varieties. The substance urea can be class A and B. Class A is used in industry. Class B in terms of nitrogen composition is suitable for feeding agricultural crops.

Compound

Urea is a chemical compound that consists of carbonic acid amide. Mass fraction of nitrogen 46.2%. Urea, whose formula is CO(NO2)2, is often the active ingredient in many complex fertilizers. According to GOST R 50568.1-93 on determining the amount of nitrogen, the substance can be used as a fertilizer in its pure form.

Properties

Urea is a highly effective substance that has the following properties:

The fertilizer is more effective on light, slightly acidic soils.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing urea as a fertilizer for plants, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages:

• universal use. Suitable for both root and foliar feeding. Does not cause burns on leaves;
• the result of fertilizing is noticeable a few days after application;
• urea quickly spreads throughout plant tissues;
• Spring treatment of plants delays flowering. Therefore, many summer residents treat trees so that spring frosts do not damage the flowers;
• Using urea you can eliminate many pests and fungal diseases.

There are many benefits to using urea. It is also important to know the disadvantages of fertilizer:

• failure to comply with the dosage may reduce seed germination;
• with frequent use, ammonia is released, which negatively affects young plants;
• The fertilizer must be stored in a dry place; the slightest contact with moisture can harm the granules.

When using other types of fertilizers on the site, urea must be applied no earlier than 14 days later.

Urea does not have good contact with this type of fertilizer such as wood ash. Therefore, to achieve the desired result, it is better not to combine such feedings.

What is urea

Urea or carbamide is a fertilizer that consists of organic compounds. Many beginners wonder whether urea is a nitrogen fertilizer or not. Why is it needed and how to use this fertilizer correctly. And is it worth fertilizing with an agrochemical at all?

Urea (urea)

The component of urea fertilizer is nitrogen (about 50%), this is the most concentrated bait. When it gets into the ground, urea reacts with microorganisms that are in the soil. As a result, everything is converted into ammonium carbonate.

Urea has a huge impact on plant development. After all, that vegetable protein, which is found in every cell of a garden crop, is formed with the help of nitrogen. More precisely, it promotes the formation of molecules that are contained in plant protein.

Fertilizer urea promotes the rapid growth of green mass of the plant. But it has a small drawback. Due to its increased volatility, it quickly evaporates and is washed out of the soil. Therefore, only half of it is assimilated by culture.

Urea formula

Urea is a chemical substance. Its formula consists of carbonate and ammonium (H2N-CO-NH2). Urea is synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Chemical formula of urea

Methods of application

Urea as a fertilizer for plants is applied in three ways:

• directly into the ground. The granules are distributed over the area and covered with soil;
• solutions. To achieve quick results, urea is dissolved in water and the solution is watered at the root of the plant;
• leaf method. To feed plants, a weakly concentrated solution is prepared, which is distributed onto the above-ground part of the plants using a spray bottle.

In order not to harm the plant, it is not recommended to use two different methods at the same time. This can lead to high nitrogen concentrations and plant death.

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Application of urea in agriculture

Urea is widely used in agriculture as a highly effective nitrogen fertilizer.

If you apply fertilizer in poor soil, there may not be enough nitrogen in its composition to achieve the desired effect. To make the fertilizer more concentrated, preventing burns to the roots and green parts of the plants, magnesium sulfate is added to it. An additional component is required in the amount of three kilograms per 100 liters of solution.

When preparing a liquid composition, keep in mind that in the end it will turn out colder than air. It is prohibited to use the solution in this form. The ideal fertilizer temperature is identical to the air temperature. Cold watering is stressful for plants; due to such an error, not only does the risk of disease increase, but also the death of crops is possible.

The temperature of the solution decreases as the granules dissolve, an endothermic reaction occurring. When 20 kg of fertilizer is dissolved in 100 liters of water, the solution becomes colder by 8-10°C.

In spring and autumn, in addition to carbamide (urea), it is necessary to apply other fertilizers. They are used simultaneously to achieve deoxidation and saturation of the soil substrate with a nutrient medium in the form of macro- and microelements. But do not forget to pay attention to the compatibility of mineral supplements.

An additional supply of nitrogen will help plants develop faster, accelerate the growth of green mass and increase the rate of intercellular processes and protein synthesis.

Nitrogen supplements should be used in the spring when the growing season begins. If you do this in the fall with respect to perennial plants, winter types of onions and garlic, you can cause some harm in the form of diseases and death of crops.

Instructions for using urea as a fertilizer

As a fertilizer, urea must be applied in the spring when digging up the site. Granules are added to the soil at the rate of 10 grams per 1 m2 and immediately covered with soil. With prolonged contact with air, urea loses its properties.

For root feeding during planting or during active growth, it is recommended to prepare a solution of 20 grams of urea per 10 liters of water. After preparation, the solution is used immediately, however, in order not to harm the roots, fertilizing must be done on pre-moistened soil.

Foliar feeding can be carried out throughout the growing season. The dosage may vary depending on the type of plant being grown. According to general standards, no more than 1 gram per liter of water is used for spraying.

For vegetables

Vegetable crops are most often fed using the root method. The dosage may vary depending on the type of plant. Fertilizing with urea should be carried out taking into account the following tips:

• pre-sowing work. As a rule, such work is carried out in early spring. After digging up the area, the granules are distributed in an even layer over the area. Using a rake, mix the fertilizer with the soil or water it generously. Otherwise, some of the nitrogen will evaporate and the effectiveness of fertilizing will decrease;
• during the seed planting period. Using this method, it is necessary to place 2-3 grams of the substance in each hole and sprinkle with soil. Only after this are the seeds or seedlings planted.

Repeated feeding with urea should be carried out no earlier than 15 days after the first application.

cucumbers

For cucumbers, fertilizer is used only 2 weeks after planting the seedlings. To feed with urea, you need to dissolve 15 grams of granules in 10 liters of liquid. When growing vegetables in greenhouse conditions, it is recommended to use foliar feeding. Fertilizer in an amount of 10 grams is dissolved in 10 liters of water and distributed evenly over the area.

Tomatoes

For tomatoes, urea fertilizer is used very often. In order to get a good harvest, the following features must be observed:

• when planting seedlings, 5 grams of the substance must be placed in each hole;
• After 3 weeks, foliar feeding is carried out at the rate of 1 gram per liter of water.

It is not recommended to use urea during the period of active flowering. This can stimulate side shoots to grow and buds to drop.

Cabbage

It is recommended to feed cabbage with urea once a season. Fertilizer is applied 10 days after planting the seedlings. For 10 liters of water, 20 grams of granules are used. The resulting solution is distributed over 1 m2. The same dosage is used for feeding wheat and other grains.

Garlic

Carbamide for garlic must be added in early June. To feed, 10 grams of granules are dissolved in a bucket of water. The resulting solution is applied to the pre-moistened area.

For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to add 10 grams of potassium chloride to the solution.

Strawberry

Fertilizer for strawberries is applied to the site in early spring immediately after the snow melts. No more than 10 grams of substance is used per 1 m2. If such standards are not observed, the crop will begin to form abundant foliage, and the berries will become small.

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Potato

For potatoes, fertilizer is recommended to be used during the planting of tubers. 5 grams of granules are placed in each well. Urea stimulates the rapid growth of sprouts and increases germination.

Solanaceae

For plants such as eggplant and pepper, it is necessary to apply fertilizer during the period of planting seedlings. 5 grams of substance are placed per well. After a few weeks, foliar feeding is carried out.

Peas

Legume plants also need nitrogen. Urea for legumes can be added during soil preparation. It is also permissible to fertilize with a solution after germination. The permissible dosage is no more than 1 gram per liter of water.

Beet

It is necessary to feed beets with fertilizer only in the spring. For culture, it is recommended to use 10 grams of granules per bucket of water.

Urea as a foliar fertilizer for beets is used only for symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. These include slow growth of seedlings and the formation of yellow spots on the leaves.

For fruit and berry crops

Urea is very popular as a fertilizer for garden trees and shrubs. The fertilizer can be used throughout the season. It can be applied either dry or in solution. In dry form for trees, apply 70-80 grams at the root and carefully cover with soil. The area should be watered generously from above. To prepare the solution, 80 grams are dissolved in water and the tree is watered generously.

For young bushes, a dosage of 60-70 grams is used. 80-90 grams of urea for adult spreading bushes.

For ornamental crops

As a fertilizer, urea can also be used for ornamental flowering plants. However, it must be remembered that ornamental plants are fed with urea only in the spring. Otherwise, the crop will not be able to form an inflorescence, but will grow foliage. To feed ornamental bushes, 4 grams of the substance are dissolved in a liter of water.

How to store fertilizer

The instructions for use of the drug state that urea can be stored for no more than 6 months, but if the appropriate conditions are created, this substance can be stored for an unlimited time.

If the fertilizer bag has not been completely used, it should be sealed tightly. Or the drug is poured into a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The package with urea should be stored in a dry place, since the granules of the drug are hygroscopic and quickly absorb moisture. At the same time, the quality of urea sharply deteriorates; such a substance will be useless in the future.

Application against pests

Urea is used in pest and disease control. However, this method is effective only if it is used in the spring before the plants awaken.

From pests

To combat pests such as weevils and aphids, it is necessary to dissolve 30 grams of urea in 10 liters of liquid. The plant is treated generously with the resulting solution. However, treatment must be carried out in early spring at an air temperature of no more than +5 degrees. It is forbidden to process crops that have budded. This may cause flowers to fall off.

From diseases

To protect plants from fungal diseases, the procedure must be carried out immediately after the snow melts. 25 grams of urea are used for 1 bucket. The resulting solution is sprayed onto trees and shrubs.

Features of using fertilizer

The rate of use of urea is established experimentally. From my own experience, I judge that it depends on the looseness of the substrate. The “airier” it is, the less nitrogen fertilizing is required. For example, for black soil, 1 tbsp is enough. spoons of urea per bucket (10 l) of water.

For vegetables

I will present a standard feeding scheme for peppers, potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, cabbage:

1. The first fertilizer is when planting seedlings in a permanent place. Make holes and water with plain water (1 liter for each). After complete absorption, add 1 liter of an aqueous solution of urea (concentration according to the norms for each plant). Such feeding is enough for the seedlings to adapt faster, grow, and form a full-fledged green and root mass. Watering with fertilizer can be replaced by adding dry granules.
2. The second feeding is after 2 weeks. The plants should already have ovaries and buds. 1 liter of aqueous urea composition is enough for one bush. The concentration of the solution depends on the type of vegetable crop.

For cucumbers, I usually reduce the dosage of nitrogen compounds - there is a high risk that they will go into the tops to the detriment of the formation of greens. For them, 1-2 glasses of urea for each bush is enough.

For trees and shrubs

Let me warn you that excess nitrogen is no less harmful for perennial plants than for annual plants: underdeveloped ovaries are formed, buds fall off, and tasteless, deformed fruits ripen. For trees and shrubs, spraying or watering with an aqueous urea composition is recommended. Dry granules are used only once - before planting the seedling, they are placed at the bottom of the hole, after which they must be covered with earth.

For fertilizer, watering is preferable: the liquid is applied along the diameter of the root zone, in the trunk strips. If there is not enough time, you can scatter the granules - watering with regular water after this is required.

Spraying with urea is carried out only on bare branches. Irrigation is not as effective as fertilizing: it is used as pest control and disease prevention.

FAQ

In order for the use of urea as a fertilizer to be effective, the dosage must be observed. Summer residents often have the following questions.

Where to buy urea?

You can purchase urea at any specialized store that sells seeds and fertilizers.

How to store urea?

To ensure that the granules do not lose their characteristics, the fertilizer must be stored in a plastic bag. For storage, select a dry place, protected from direct sunlight.

Is there a danger to humans?

Urea is a harmful substance for humans. Therefore, if it enters the body, you must contact a medical facility. During fruit ripening, it is not recommended to treat with urea. The fruits can be consumed 10 days after applying fertilizers.

Is it possible to apply urea in the fall?

Fertilizer can be applied in the fall during the period of digging up the site. However, the effectiveness of fertilizing is reduced.

Can urea be mixed with other fertilizers?

It is not advisable to mix urea with other fertilizers. Summer residents should remember that urea does not mix with phosphorus, chalk and lime.

Is it possible to harm plants by fertilizing with urea?

Yes, excessive use of urea can harm plants. With a large amount of nitrogen, the crop grows poorly, it may shed leaves and not form buds.

What is the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate and urea belong to the same class of fertilizers. Therefore, summer residents are often confused. The following distinguishing criteria need to be considered. Tomato shoots and other “garbage” from the garden that can be used for the benefit of plants

Saltpeter can be used throughout the season. While urea is most often used in the spring.

Pros and cons of urea

Among nitrogen additives, urea is one of the most popular fertilizers. His "strengths" are;

• Application to various types of soil is allowed;
• rapid absorption by plants;
• Possibility of use as a fertilizer, as a means of protection against pests and certain infections;
• when applied, it enriches the soil not only with nitrogen, but also with useful microelements.;
• organic compound.

Compared to other compounds, urea contains the most nitrogen. Granules or liquid composition are sold in any specialized stores; the cost is low and accessible to everyone.

"Minuses":

• limited period of use (only in spring and early summer);
• strict adherence to dosages is required, since if there is an excess in the soil, the plants may die;
• on acidic soils, special compounds are additionally added to deoxidize the soil.

Fertilizing of vegetable and fruit crops

The use of urea gives good results when used as a means of feeding fruit plants and vegetable crops. In order to increase productivity and accelerate plant growth, fertilizing is carried out during the growing season by irrigating the root zone. The solution should be poured directly under the root of a tree or bush. This will make it easier for the plant to absorb nutrients.

Foliar feeding is carried out using manual spraying. It is better to carry out the procedure in the morning or evening. A urea solution with a concentration below 5 percent is safe for leaves, unlike ammonium nitrate.

Compound

Do you dream of a lush, healthy garden and a tasty, rich harvest? Provide plants with protein, which is found in abundance in Urea and Urea.

The composition of the fertilizer is 46% nitrogen. Top dressing is suitable for any plants and soils. The granules dissolve quickly and without sediment in water, the solution is odorless.

To make Urea, carbon dioxide and ammonia are used, which are subjected to pressure and high temperature. As a result, small crystals are formed that have minimal hygroscopicity.

Nitrogen is presented in Urea in an easily digestible form, thanks to which active nutrition of the leaves and root system occurs. The chemical process of interaction between Urea and soil is long, so the fertilizer is absorbed evenly by plants.

Note: During the formation of granules, a small amount of biuret is released. This is a toxic substance, but the total mass of the fertilizer contains no more than 1%; biuret will not cause harm to the plant.

If the storage conditions are met, the shelf life of Urea is unlimited, however, the warranty period provided by specialized stores is no more than six months.

After six months, the concentration of the active substance decreases slightly, which transforms into ammonia and evaporates. The same chemical reaction occurs due to improper storage.

If Urea is stored in a room with high humidity, the fertilizer granules stick together and harden.

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Customer Reviews

I am an avid summer resident and almost always use urea to grow vegetables. Nitrogen fertilizer is highly soluble in water. Onions respond especially well to fertilizing with urea. I feed trees and bushes until June. I always follow the dosage indicated in the instructions, since if it is exceeded, nitrates accumulate in the fruits.

Miroslava

Our grandfather is in charge of our vegetable garden. He always orders us to bring urea. His harvest is simply huge, both fruits and berries and vegetables.

Victor

I have been using this affordable and easy-to-use fertilizer for several years. I like that urea is quite easily absorbed by various garden crops, which is why they begin to actively develop and produce high yields. The main thing is to follow the dosage and not exceed it.

Michael

Originally posted 2018-02-18 14:13:39.

Methods of feeding plants with urea

The main need of plants for nitrogen occurs in the spring, when the green mass is actively growing. Currently, it is important to use carbamide (urea) using the root method.

To save money, you can add the substance directly into the hole.

If the moment was missed and signs of chlorosis appeared on the leaves during growth, the fastest way would be to spray the crops foliarly.

Autumn laying in the ground can be done, but it is not so effective, because during the winter nitrogen decomposes and its main part - ammonia - evaporates into the atmosphere, without bringing any benefit.

Only a small portion goes to microorganisms for nutrition. This is good because the amount of urease, an enzyme released when soil organisms die, increases in the soil.

Signs of nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen starvation occurs on soil poor in nutrients. If the soil is fertile, signs of deficiency of this element appear during a sharp cold snap due to malnutrition. Also, a lack of nitrogen occurs if microbiological preparations are used incorrectly for feeding.

You can suspect nitrogen starvation based on the following signs:

• shredding of leaf plates;
• yellowness on the leaves;
• growth of thin and weak young shoots;
• blanching of stems and leaves;
• poor branching;
• growth stop.

In adult plants, nitrogen deficiency is recognized by the late formation of organs responsible for vegetative propagation. At the fruiting stage, due to a lack of this chemical element, the fruits grow deformed.

Why feed vegetables

With active agricultural technology in home gardens, gardeners invariably face the problem of a lack of nutrients in the soil, which negatively affects the growth and yield of vegetables and fruits. Fertilizing of agricultural crops should be carried out comprehensively, including the application of organic matter and mineral fertilizers. Most garden crops require nitrogen to grow properly, which is used by plants during the growing season. Most gardeners use urea fertilizer to add nitrogen to the soil, which combines complete safety of use, efficiency and affordable cost.

Possible disadvantages

Instructions for using urea as a fertilizer prohibit exceeding the permissible concentration. If this is a second-grade fertilizer, it is applied to the soil in advance, otherwise the excess ammonia will not have time to evaporate. The root system of plants suffers from this, and growth stops due to burns. A layer of soil between the roots and the fertilizer helps prevent this.

For plants with a tap root system, fertilizer cannot be applied in large doses in granular form. It is especially important to follow this rule for grades 2 and 3 drugs. In this case, the substance is placed in the soil no later than 15 days before planting.

Advice! For active seed germination and prevention of nitrogen overdose, it is advisable to use urea together with phosphorus-potassium preparations.

Advantages of the product

The use of urea in the garden is possible from spring to autumn. After harvesting, dry granules are placed in the soil. In the amide form, nitrogen is not washed out and remains until the onset of warm weather next spring. If plants need emergency feeding, use a urea-based solution in the summer. It helps eliminate signs of chlorosis. In low concentrations, the product does not harm the leaves.

Of all the nitrogen monofertilizers, urea is the cheapest. It has low consumption and many possibilities for use. Urea solution has the following advantages:

• when sprayed on leaves, it fights pests;
• does not provoke chemical burns on the leaves;
• quickly eliminates signs of nitrogen deficiency;
• takes a long time to wash out of the ground;
• does not harm health when used correctly;
• does not acidify the soil.

Complete breakdown of urea occurs in soil containing a lot of the enzyme urease, a waste product of bacteria. Therefore, urea can be added simultaneously with organic matter. This improves the fertile characteristics of the soil. The fertilizer works most effectively in areas where irrigated farming is practiced. When using urea, harmful substances do not accumulate in fruits.