Urea is a synthetic organic fertilizer that releases ammonia, which quickly converts to nitrogen (N).
In general, urea is used as a rapid-release fertilizer for quick results or combined with other materials to make a slow-release fertilizer. Urea provides fast results, making it cost-effective for adding nitrogen to the soil. Soil temperature and integration into the soil are important considerations when applying urea or urea solutions into the soil or via foliar application.
Urea is synthesized commercially from two raw materials, ammonia and carbon dioxide. Ammonia is produced by reacting coal or hydrocarbons such as natural gas and petroleum derived raw materials with air (see Haber-Bosch process). This produces enough carbon dioxide to allow for direct synthesis of urea from these raw materials. Urea has a number of advantages over other nitrogen fertilizers; it is safer to ship and handle, it is less corrosive to equipment, it has a higher analysis than any other dry nitrogen fertilizer, and it can be used on virtually all crops. The high analysis means a reduced transportation and application cost per pound of nitrogen.
This solution is well adapted for a variety of application processes, to learn more, please review the following information: