Urea fertilizer: what it is, composition, use in the garden, instructions, reviews

Spring fertilizing is one of the most important procedures at the beginning of the gardening season. These fertilizers should provide the awakening crops with enough strength and “means” to begin sap flow and form the first greenery - especially if you forgot or did not have time to fertilize in the fall.

What fertilizers for the garden, vegetable garden, flower garden and lawn should you prefer in the spring, is it possible to mix them, what portions does each plant need?

Here are the six most popular and in-demand spring fertilizers that every summer resident should have in stock. Please note that these fertilizers are suitable for almost all crops, because in the spring all plants need almost the same substances, but each one needs a different dosage of fertilizers.

Appearance, physical properties and composition of urea

In its usual form, urea or urea has a white granular composition, with a granule size of one and a half to 4 millimeters, or a crystalline powder, odorless and highly soluble in water.

Urea grade B is used in agriculture. It contains the following elements:

Nitrogen – 46%.
Biuret – 1.4%.
Water – 0.5%.

Refers to mineral fertilizers. It is used for preparing liquid solutions that are more quickly absorbed by the plant, making it easier to maintain proportions and not exceed application rates.

Scientists' developments have led to the creation of humatized urea, which contains humates, nitrogenous compounds that improve the absorption of chemical elements by plants. Nitrogen content – 44%, humic salts – 1%. The granules are colored brown.

Features of urea

Before you find out what the benefits and harms of this fertilizer are, it’s worth understanding what it is. Urea or carbamide is an effective, universal fertilizer in the form of granules containing 46 percent nitrogen. In simple words, this is a fairly powerful, high-quality and valuable fertilizer that can be used to feed vegetables, fruits, flowers and berries. The proposed substance has no odor, dissolves perfectly and perfectly in water. Interestingly, as the temperature increases, the solubility increases noticeably. In order not to cause harm or damage to plants, the instructions must be followed.

The main advantages and benefits of using urea:

if you carry out foliar feeding, you will be able to avoid unwanted burns on plants;
the urea solution is absorbed in a matter of minutes by those crops that are sensitive to increased soil pH;
significantly increases productivity several times;
the fertilizer perfectly fights pathogens and various pests that often visit gardens and orchards;
the spraying procedure in early spring slows down flowering, and this will help avoid flowers falling off in the event of frost;
48 hours after fertilizing, nitrogen concentrations increase.

Harm from using urea, main disadvantages of the method:

It is not advisable to combine it with other types of fertilizers;
there is a risk of a decrease in the percentage of seed germination when its concentration in the soil is increased;
incorrect application of urea can provoke a chemical reaction, against the background of which ammonia will be released, which is incredibly harmful for young shoots;
This type of substance requires careful, close conservation.

It is interesting that urea is actively involved not only in gardening, but also in the manufacture of special products for skin and hair care!
The specificity of the substance is that, penetrating into the soil, there is corresponding contact with bacteria and enzymes. During the first three days, an active reaction occurs, promoting the conversion of the noted fertilizer into ammonium. Against the background of contact with air, the transformation into gaseous ammonia is activated. If you do not embed it in the soil, the chances of losing most of the solution increase significantly. The losses will be too great if there is an alkaline or neutral reaction. This will result in the processing effect being negligible. To achieve a positive and effective result, granules should be embedded in the soil to a depth of 8 cm.

Advantages and disadvantages

The application of fertilizers, in particular urea, has its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages are the following properties:

It dissolves well in water and is quickly absorbed by plant roots.
If the correct proportion is observed, it is used when spraying on the leaves, while performing foliar feeding.
Fertilizer can be applied to any type of soil.
In moist soil and at positive temperatures, the effectiveness of the drug increases.

The disadvantages include the following:

Leads to an increase in soil acidity and requires additional application of dolomite flour and other deoxidizers.
Exceeding the application dose inhibits the seeds and impairs their germination.
Requires storage in a dry place in a closed container.
Mixing with organic fertilizers containing nitrogen may exceed the permissible dose of this element.

If you follow the instructions when adding urea to the soil, you will get more advantages than disadvantages.

The main signs of nitrogen deficiency and excess

As for nitrogen, it plays an incredibly important role in the garden. The fact is that, thanks to it, active growth of leaves and stems occurs. This gas takes an active part in the formation of chlorophyll, which is extremely important for photosynthesis. When plant crops do not need nitrogen, you will notice that their leaves shimmer with gloss and have a rich and bright emerald hue. If there is a lack of this substance, the shoots grow slowly and the foliage begins to turn yellow. It is also interesting that nitrogen guarantees good yield, since a powerful and strong plant forms much more buds. Before fertilizing the soil with nitrogen fertilizer, you should understand whether they need it or not.

The main signs of nitrogen deficiency:

weakened branching of shoots is observed;
slow, inhibited plant development;
the foliage turns out narrow, small, it has a dull color and even a yellow tint;
premature leaf fall occurs;
there are fewer lobes than before.

Symptoms of excess substance:

leaves are dark in color and quite large in size;
at the initial stage of growth, development is too slow;
mature crops grow wildly green;
There is a long growing season, and the fruits begin to ripen much later than expected.

If symptoms of starvation and shedding of ovaries are detected, it is important to perform mandatory feeding. In such situations, it is worth giving preference to the spraying method using a urea solution. If there is no special sprayer, the procedure is performed with a regular broom. During processing, care must be taken to prevent the solution from getting on the skin and mucous membranes. For such purposes, some use ammonium nitrate, but urea is considered the safest and most effective.

Urea is considered a unique fertilizer, the use of which is considered the safest among gardeners and gardeners. This is due to the fact that nitrogen fertilizer helps increase fertility and productivity, supports plants, and manages to overcome many pests and infectious diseases. It will be possible to achieve such amazing results only if you follow the recommendations and advice of experts, do not exceed the dosage and follow safety measures. All of the listed advantages and benefits of fertilizer include the fact that it has a low cost, but quite high efficiency and effectiveness. That is why every experienced gardener and gardener should have such a nitrogen product in stock.

Methods of feeding plants with urea

The use of urea in agriculture is very diverse. Various methods of applying fertilizer are used: they are embedded directly into the soil at the root, scattered over the surface of the ground during its cultivation, and liquid solutions are prepared for spraying bushes.

Nitrogen fertilizers are needed in the spring, during the formation of the green parts of the plant; in the summer, the nitrogen content in fertilizing is reduced. Various folk remedies are used to obtain nitrogen-containing mixtures. The most popular is “green manure”. This is an infusion of green herbs in a barrel of water. We need to remember. Nitrogen fertilizers are not applied to perennials in the fall - this stimulates the growth of young shoots that will not have time to ripen before frost.

Root feeding

Root feeding is carried out by adding granules or liquid fertilizer solutions to the soil. Dry granules are embedded in the soil to a depth of 10 centimeters. The required dosage is from 50 to 100 grams per 10 square meters. The ground is watered to quickly dissolve the urea.

A liquid solution of urea is prepared, strictly maintaining the norm. 50 grams of the drug are dissolved in 10 liters of water. A groove is made around the bush, into which 25-30 milliliters of the resulting fertilizer is poured.

Foliar feeding

When fertilizing a plant leaf by leaf, it is sprayed with a liquid solution in the same concentration as at the root, only the amount of solution should not exceed 10-15 milliliters per bush. Foliar feeding is very useful; it is quickly absorbed.

Against pests and fungus

The urea solution is used as a fungicide, making it more concentrated than for irrigation. To protect against pests, the garden is sprayed with a urea solution: up to 500 grams of urea per 10 liters of water. Treatment is carried out before buds open in early spring, at a temperature of +6 degrees.

This treatment kills beetle larvae overwintering on trees and fallen leaves and destroys scab fungus on pear and apple trees. To combat nematode larvae in the soil, urea is applied during autumn digging.

How to use urea for vegetable crops

When fertilizing potatoes, urea is applied when digging the soil before planting. The consumption rate of dry granules is no more than 2.5 kilograms per area of one hundred square meters. You can spray potatoes on green bushes. Solution concentration: 50 grams per 10 liters of water.

For tomatoes, urea is added to the hole when planting. This will be enough for the entire growing season of the plant. Garlic is watered in spring and early summer, dissolving 10 grams of urea and potassium chloride in 10 liters of water.

Cucumbers, eggplants and zucchini are sprayed and root fertilized. Prepare a liquid solution from 10 liters of water, 20 grams of potassium chloride and 10 grams of urea. It is used for root feeding or spraying. The first feeding is carried out when the shoots appear, the second - when the fruits ripen.

How to dilute urea for fruit trees

Urea is used to feed fruit trees. Fertilizers are incorporated into the soil in the tree trunk circle. Obligatory watering of the soil is carried out. The application rate is up to 20 grams per square meter. You can make a liquid solution - 15 grams per 10 liters of water. It is poured into a groove or wells located around the perimeter of the crown.

For your information. Urea is used to spray trees along the crown in spring. This is done at above-zero temperatures, until the buds swell. This treatment destroys pests and fungal diseases.

Application for berry bushes

Urea is applied to berry bushes up to three times per season. The first fertilizing is done in the spring - when foliage appears, and then repeated during the opening of the buds and the ripening of the berries. Fertilizer is scattered around the bush, the soil is loosened and watered. The application rate in spring is 120 grams; when the crop ripens, it is increased to 160 grams.

Features of feeding indoor flowers:

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fertilize depending on the time of year:

winter – once a month,
spring - summer - weekly,
autumn – once every 2-3 weeks;

The growth rate of a flower crop matters:

fast growing – weekly,
slow - every month.

Foliar feeding by spraying a urea solution is carried out at the beginning of development to activate its growth. Prepare the solution required for treatment at the rate of 10-15 ml per flower crop and in the proportion of 1 liter of water per 7-10 grams.

When laying compost, you should pay attention to the materials of the laying. If these are materials that cause carbon reactions (sawdust, straw, leaves, grass, paper), which can heat up to 60 degrees in a heap, you need to add urea in a ratio of 1 kg/1 sq.m.

Urea as a fertilizer for indoor plants

If you carefully use urea according to the instructions, then even the most ordinary lawn with grass will delight you with bright and juicy greenery that retains its rich color for a long time.

Mixing Rules

Urea is highly soluble in water, so preparing a liquid solution is not difficult. The main thing in this matter is to maintain the dosage; a high concentration can destroy the plant. At home, you can use the following information: a tablespoon contains 12-15 grams of fertilizer, the same amount in a matchbox.

The instructions for use indicate how much urea is needed to feed each garden and vegetable crop. Usually you need to dilute 20-30 grams in 10 liters of water. To do this, take 2 tablespoons or two matchboxes.

Urea as a fertilizer for flowers

It is worth considering some nuances. For annual plants, fertilizer is applied 2 times per season. The first time - two weeks after planting the seedlings, and the second time at the moment of formation of inflorescences.

Perennial flowers are fertilized three times per season. First, urea granules are added to the soil when planting a crop. Then administered during the period of bud formation. The last procedure is after dropping the buds to nourish the soil and flower for next year.

Expert advice:

two hours before introducing urea, water the flowers;
for young plants, reduce the concentration by half;
sick or just planted plants cannot be fertilized;
Do not use the procedure on hot days.

Interaction with other fertilizers

Urea, as a chemical element, reacts with other substances. This determines its compatibility with other mineral and organic fertilizers. We get a good combination when it is added simultaneously with:

potassium chloride;
potassium sulfate;
sodium nitrate;
manure.

Combined use with such substances is not allowed:

gypsum;
chalk;
dolomite;
calcium nitrate;
superphosphate;
wood ash.

Important. The simultaneous application of fertilizers that enter into a chemical reaction and inhibit the beneficial effects of each other is unacceptable. Such feeding will not be effective.

Common mistakes

Inexperienced gardeners may make mistakes in using urea:

Urea is produced in two grades: “A” is used in the chemical industry and livestock farming, “B” is used in agriculture. Therefore, it is important not to confuse these types of urea and fertilize flowers with grade “B”.
Another mistake is combining urea with incompatible fertilizers. Fertilizers with which urea cannot be combined are listed above.
Is it possible to water indoor flowers with urea? It is possible, but only in the spring-summer period, since in winter the plants enter a dormant phase, and by provoking the resource-intensive growth of green mass in the cold season, you can destroy the indoor plant.
Wanting to get abundant flowering, some gardeners feed plants with urea more than once. This should not be done, since an excess of nitrogen fertilizers has negative consequences, just like its deficiency.

Signs of nitrogen starvation in plants

When there is a lack of nitrogen in plant nutrition, the following symptoms are observed:

Plant growth slows down.
The foliage loses color intensity.
Fruit bushes and trees may bloom ahead of schedule, but the harvest will be meager.
The lower leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Such plants need to be fed, while observing the norm for applying fertilizer.

Application of urea fertilizer in the garden in spring

Before applying this fertilizer in the spring, it will be useful to make sure that the soil is lacking nitrogen and not any other elements.

Here are the main signs that show that plants lack nitrogen compounds:

the process of growth and development slows down;
the leaves become small and narrow, their color fades;
leaves fall much earlier than expected;
the bushes branch worse than usual, the shoots become sluggish and thin;
kidney formation becomes worse.

Urea is applied to the soil in the spring, as a separate fertilizer, or combined with any other fertilizers. The amount of fertilizer applied directly depends on the condition of the soil and the plants that will be planted.

Urea is used immediately before sowing seeds or before planting crops. Fertilizing is applied one to two weeks before planting.

When planting seedlings or seed, you can add urea granules. However, in this case, plant roots or seeds should not be allowed to come into direct contact with the fertilizer, otherwise the plants will develop slowly.

To prevent this, it is important to first add fertilizer to the hole, then cover it with a small layer of soil, and then sow. In the spring, you can combine the application of urea with fertilizers containing potassium.

Let's watch a useful video about using urea fertilizer in the garden in the spring:

What is the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate

The main common quality of urea and ammonium nitrate is the presence of nitrogen in the composition of these two chemicals.

This is where their common features end.

The main differences between urea and saltpeter:

Urea contains 45% nitrogen, and nitrate contains only 35%;
the first preparation can be used for foliar and root feeding, and the second can only be applied to the soil;
urea is a more organic fertilizer, so it retains its nutritional effect longer than saltpeter;
ammonium nitrate contributes to a greater increase in soil acidity, so in areas with an acidic reaction it is more advisable to use urea as a top dressing;
saltpeter is an explosive substance, so special precautions must be taken when storing it, and urea should only be protected from high air humidity.

Differences between urea and saltpeter - video

Advantages and disadvantages of urea fertilizer

In terms of nitrogen content, urea can be compared with sodium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, but unlike ammonium sulfate, urea acidifies the soil less. On sandy loam and sandy soils, the fertilizer works even better than ammonium nitrate.

Advantages of urea over other fertilizers:

accelerates the growth of vegetative mass by plants;
increases protein concentration in crops;
can be used for pest control;
the substance mixes with water without sediment, which makes it convenient for use in home areas;
does not contribute to the accumulation of nitrates.

The disadvantages of urea include the risk of burns to plants and their subsequent death if the fertilizer is used incorrectly. Urea cannot be combined with many types of fertilizing; it decomposes quite quickly and can harm the sprouts. The negative properties of urea are most pronounced in an alkaline environment, but adverse effects can be avoided if the fertilizer is applied in advance.

What is urea?

Urea is a fairly old mineral fertilizer that has good reviews both for home use in summer cottages and on a large farm scale.
It is perfectly stored, packaged in 50 kg polyethylene containers (bags). Urea is a highly concentrated, ballast-free nitrogen mineral fertilizer

Let's find out in more detail what urea is:

This is an instant fertilizer, unlike many other mineral fertilizers; it does not need to be infused for hours or waited for a day.
The composition of urea is carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, combined into the formula carbonic acid diamide.
The fertilizer formula is CH4N2O.
This mineral fertilizer is also known as urea. In its composition it contains 46.2% of the active substance - nitrogen.
Outwardly, it is not a powder, but white or pearl-colored granules that are odorless.
Its main purpose is to stimulate the growth and development of fruit and berry plants, shrubs or trees as a result of enriching them with nitrogen.

Seedlings fed with urea or mature trees can be immediately distinguished by their juicy dark green leaves, stems, and dense crown.

There are two main types of monofertilizers containing nitrogen - urea (carbamide) and ammonium nitrate. This is the so-called nitrogen group. The main difference between these two substances is the different concentration of nitrogen. Ammonium nitrate has 34.2% active ingredient, so it is added in larger quantities to achieve results.

Urea is the most highly concentrated nitrogen fertilizer today.

Gives good results when fertilizing all crops

Benefits of urea:

Increasing the plant's immunity, which reduces the incidence of disease and helps fight pest attacks and weather fluctuations (frosts and drafts). Treated seedlings are more resistant and strong.
Increasing the yield of the garden and vegetable garden.
Improving the taste of fruits, berries, vegetables. Nitrogen stimulates the proper development of the plant and the storage of useful vitamins and microelements.

Composition and formula

Urea nitrate has been used for a long time in its natural form - cattle urine. It was evaporated and then used as a liquid with a strong odor. At the moment, scientists obtain urea using chemical compounds, but the effect remains the same as from natural urea.

The chemical formula is H2N-CO-NH2. The combination of carbon dioxide and ammonia provides the necessary substance for the growth and development of plants. In this case, the agrochemical has two types: B and A. Each type must be used in its own field:

Gardening work is carried out by brand B. Sold in granules. Color: yellowish or earthy. Can also be purchased in tablet form. This form is much more profitable and convenient for use and storage.
Type A is used in the chemical industry. Included in various drugs and chemicals. Completely unsuitable for work in the garden or in the country.

Interesting fact! The cost of urea tablets is higher than that of regular granular powder. The advantage is long-term storage. Economical. After all, two times less is applied to the soil than granulated. When calculating the cost of granules and tablets, the difference is insignificant.

How is it different from ammonium nitrate?

The first and main difference between nutrients is that urea is an organic fertilizer, while ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate is a mineral salt of nitric acid, which is an inorganic compound. The difference between the above fertilizers is as follows:

the solubility index of urea is better than that of ammonium nitrate;
despite the fact that both fertilizers are nitrogen fertilizers, the amount of active substance (nitrogen) in urea is higher;
ammonium nitrate is limited only to its application to the soil, while urea can be used for foliar treatment of plants;
due to the fact that urea is an organic fertilizer, its effect on plants is softer and more gentle;
to reveal its effectiveness, urea needs more time than nitrate, but the positive result after it lasts longer;
urea is firmly fixed in the soil, therefore it is not prone to being washed out by precipitation