UREA FERTILIZER (46-0-0)
1. Product Identification
- Product Name: Urea Fertilizer (Prilled or Granular)
- Common Name: Urea
- Chemical Formula: CO(NH2)2
- CAS No.: 57-13-6
- Grade: Agricultural Fertilizer Grade (46% N)
2. Key Specifications (Typical Fertilizer Grade)
| Parameter |
Specification |
Notes |
| Total Nitrogen (N) |
Min. 46.0% (Typically 46.2% - 46.7%) |
Highest N content of solid fertilizers. Expressed as 46-0-0. |
| Biuret Content |
Max. 1.0% (Often < 0.8%; Premium < 0.3%) |
Critical for seedbeds, foliar sprays, & sensitive crops. Lower is better. |
| Moisture |
Max. 0.5% - 1.0% |
Affects flowability and caking. |
| Size Distribution |
Prills: 1-3.5mm; Granules: 2-4.5mm |
Granules are harder, less dusty, dissolve slower. |
| Hardness (Granules) |
Min. 25 N (Newton) |
Resistance to crushing. Granules > Prills. |
| Critical Relative Humidity (CRH) |
73% at 30°C |
Humidity level above which absorbs moisture rapidly. |
| Bulk Density |
~720 - 780 kg/m³ (45-49 lb/ft³) |
Important for storage/transport calculations. |
| pH (10% Solution) |
~7.0 - 7.5 |
Neutral. |
3. Physical Properties
- Appearance: White, free-flowing spherical prills or granules.
- Odor: Odorless or slight ammonia smell.
- Solubility: Highly soluble (108 g/100ml water @ 20°C). Ideal for fertigation/dissolving tanks.
- Hygroscopicity: Highly hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air above CRH. Causes caking.
4. Agricultural Properties
- Primary Nutrient: 46% Nitrogen (N) in Amide form (NH2).
- Soil Conversion: Hydrolyzed by soil urease enzyme → Ammonium (NH4+) → Nitrate (NO3-) (plant-available).
- Conversion Rate: Depends on temp, moisture, pH, & urease activity (hours to days).
- Volatilization Risk: Significant ammonia (NH3) loss if surface-applied without rain/incorporation (>20% loss possible). Inhibitors available.
- Salt Index: Moderate (1.7). Lower than ammonium nitrate or MAP/DAP.
5. Handling & Storage
- Storage: Cool, Dry, Well-Ventilated. Protect from moisture, rain, humidity >73%.
- Packaging: Moisture-proof bags (PP woven w/ liner), bulk bags (FIBC), bulk piles.
- Caking Prevention: Store on pallets, limit stack height, use first-in-first-out (FIFO), consider anti-caking agents.
- Dust Control: Minimize drops & handling. Use dust masks during heavy loading/unloading.
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with most dry fertilizers except Ammonium Nitrate (forms wet sludge). Store separately.
6. Application
- Methods: Broadcast, banded (avoid seed contact), top-dress, fertigation (fully soluble), foliar (low-biuret only!).
- Timing: Pre-plant, side-dress. Incorporate ASAP (within 48h) to reduce volatilization.
- Rates: Crop-specific. Consult local agronomic recommendations.
- Sensitive Crops (Biuret): Citrus, pineapple, coffee, seedlings - use low-biuret urea (<0.25%).
7. Safety (Fertilizer Handling Focus)
- GHS Hazard Statements (Typical):
- H315: Causes skin irritation
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation (dust)
- PPE: Gloves, safety glasses, dust mask/respirator when dusty. Cover skin.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap/water. Can cause mild irritation/dryness.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 mins. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if coughing/respiratory distress.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water. Low acute toxicity, but seek medical advice if large amounts consumed.
- Fire: Non-flammable. Decomposition fumes (ammonia, nitrogen oxides) toxic if exposed to extreme heat.
8. Environmental & Regulatory
- Environmental Impact: High risk of eutrophication via runoff. Follow 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Rate, Time, Place).
- Transport: Generally NOT classified as dangerous goods (UN/ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA exempt). Check local SDS.
- Regulatory Status: Approved fertilizer worldwide. Comply with local nutrient management regulations.
9. Typical Applications
- Major Crops: Wheat, corn, rice, sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, grasslands.
- Usage: Base nitrogen source, blended with P & K fertilizers, component in Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) solutions.
10. Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Highest N content (46%) |
High ammonia volatilization loss risk |
| Cost-effective N source |
Requires incorporation/immediate rainfall |
| Highly soluble (fertigation-friendly) |
Highly hygroscopic (storage issues, caking) |
| Neutral pH |
Biuret concerns for sensitive crops/foliar use |
| Compatible with most soils |
Moderate salt index |
Critical Reminders for Users:
- Volatilization Management: Incorporate immediately (tillage, irrigation >10mm) or use urease inhibitors (NBPT, NPPT) to reduce NH3 losses significantly.
- Storage is Key: Moisture = Caking. Keep DRY.
- Biuret Matters: Check biuret level for sensitive uses (foliar, seedlings).
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