Urea is the most popular nitrogen fertilizer, which is relatively universal and is perfect for feeding many different types of plants. So how to use it to be effective and safe? Discover the most important properties and applications of urea!
What is urea?
Urea is one of the most universal fertilizers that provides plants and the soil with essential nitrogen. It has been known in this way since the 19th century. Since then, it has been used very frequently both in industrial and domestic crops.
The urea used as fertilizer is produced synthetically. In nature, it is the end product of the transformation, first of all, of proteins, excreted by organisms in urine and sweat, present, for example, in animal manure.
The method of using urea depends on the type of plant. Works well for food, among others:
- vegetables (for example, carrots, parsley, corn, zucchini)
- shrubs and fruit trees (for example, pear trees, apple trees, raspberries)
- shrubs and ornamental trees (it is not recommended to use urea to fertilize anthuriums)
- grass
- flowers, including bulbs (for example, tulips)
What is the form of garden urea?
The fertilizer is available in the form of small white granules. Importantly, they do not clump even with prolonged storage. It is also a cheap substance that you can buy in the amount you need for your garden. In urea, the nitrogen is in the amide form, while the preparation contains about 46% of the total nitrogen. What does this mean in practice?
For said nitrogen to act on plants, it must be transformed. For this, a hydrolysis reaction is produced, which depends on the conditions (degree of acidification of the soil, humidity, temperature, presence of fungi, etc.). This takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Urea garden can be used in virtually any type of soil. Use only in highly acidic, highly alkaline soils, as well as very dry and heavy soils. However, such extreme conditions are very rare.
Why is it worth using urea in the garden?
Nitrogen is one of the most important substances supplied to plants. Thanks to him, they can grow faster and healthier. In addition, nitrogen favors the color of leaves and flowers, so that they do not fade or turn yellow, and delight with their intense color.
It is important to note that this component must be used in the right way and at the right time. Also, it tends to seep out of the soil or conversely accumulate in the plant and soil, which can do more harm than good.
- The use of nitrogen in the form of urea has a series of benefits, among which the following stand out:
- nitrogen does not accumulate in plants, but is supplied evenly
- is a relatively safe form of nitrogen, which minimizes the risk of leaf burn
- the granules are easy to apply even by amateurs
- the form of the fertilizer reduces the tendency to leach out of the soil
- when used according to the instructions, the nitrate content in edible plants (vegetables, fruits, herbs) is at a safe level
Remember, however, that the safest form of fertilization is still the use of ecological and natural substances. Compost, for example, is rich in nitrogen and is perfect for fertilizing crops and vegetable beds.
How to use urea in the garden?
The use of this fertilizer depends on the type of plant. However, the most frequent rule is not to use nitrogen fertilizers in the fall. Fall feeding is to prepare the plant as best as possible for winter and low temperatures, so no growth stimulant is needed. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, and therefore urea, are generally recommended for use in early spring (March/April) and early summer (June/July).
It is also very important to use the urea according to the package directions and to dilute it in the proper proportions. Remember that excessive fertilization, that is, the use of too much substance, is also very bad for the plants. Too much nitrogen in edible plants like fruits and vegetables can also be dangerous to your health.
Urea is fertilized mainly in two ways:
- foliar – in this case, urea is turned into a solution with a concentration of 0.5-10%, and the plants are watered or sprayed
- soil: this is how the granules are used and they are sprayed directly on the substrate
Fertilizing the lawn
Nitrogen deficiencies cause turfgrass yellowing, blotchiness and slower growth. The use of urea allows the density and the beautiful color of the lawn. Urea is applied to the soil (by spraying the granules on the lawn) or as a foliar application (watering the lawn with a solution).
The second method is preferable because it reduces the risk of burning the lawn and over-fertilizing it. It is best to dissolve 1 kg of urea in 10 liters of water. This solution is then poured into a sprinkler or watering can or used in an irrigation system.
Fertilization of trees and ornamental plants
Flowers, especially bulb flowers, are usually fertilized with soil. Just sprinkle a few granules around plants like tulips and gently mix them into the substrate. Ornamental plants can also be fertilized foliarly, that is, sprayed with a 5-6% solution.
fertilizer vegetables
In the case of vegetables, urea is not recommended for plants such as peas, spinach or Chinese cabbage. These are vegetables that have a short growing season; it is important that a certain amount of time elapses between when nitrogen is used and when it is harvested. You can use urea wisely, for example, for carrots, beets, parsley, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini.
In the case of vegetables, the fertilizer granules are mixed with the soil and the vegetables are planted on that plot. Also, foliar fertilization can be used during vegetation.
Fertilize fruit trees
Fruit trees and shrubs, such as pear, apple, raspberry and gooseberry trees, are foliarly fertilized with a solution. Of course, it must be adapted to the state of the plant and its species, so it is always a good idea to check how to act in the case of specific trees. The standard concentration for fruits is about 0.5-5%.
Urea spraying is also a good prophylactic action against scab on pear and apple trees. In this case, the leaves are sprayed with a 5% urea solution. Spraying is applied in late autumn, preferably after the first frost.
Urea as a component of compost and other fertilizers
Nitrogen is required to break down the residue. Depending on what is in the compost, there may be enough. However, if it is so-called acidic compost or when it is mainly made up of leaves and plant parts – the addition of urea is a great way to stimulate composting.
Urea is also used before the cultivation of green fertilizers, feeding it into the soil in which they will grow. These are fertilizers that involve the cultivation of specific species and then dig them together with the substrate.
Urea is one of the most universal fertilizers. So if you’re looking for a substance to help you grow your garden, from lawns to ornamentals to edibles, urea will work just fine. However, remember to always use this remedy according to the instructions!
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