Content
Urea and nitrate are two different nitrogen fertilizers: organic and inorganic, respectively. Each of them has its own pros and cons. When choosing dressings, you need to compare them in terms of their effect on plants, in composition and methods of application.
Urea and saltpeter are the same thing or not
These are two different fertilizers, but at the same time they have the following characteristics:
- Composition - both preparations contain nitrogen compounds.
- Features of the impact: a quick set of green mass by plants.
- Application results: increased productivity.
Since urea is organic, and nitrates are inorganic, these agents differ in the method of application. For example, organic matter is applied both root and foliar. And inorganic compounds - only in the ground. There are also several other significant differences between them. Therefore, we can unequivocally say that ammonium nitrate is not urea.
Urea: composition, types, application
Urea is a common name for organic fertilizer urea (chemical formula: CH4N2O). The composition contains the maximum amount of nitrogen (in comparison with all other products), therefore urea is considered one of the most effective drugs.
Urea is a white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water and ammonia (ammonia). There are no other varieties. Those. chemically and physically, urea always has the same stable composition. At the same time, ammonium nitrate differs from urea in different content, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium nitrate and others.
Urea is released in the form of white spherical granules
This tool is used in different cases:
- As a fertilizer to saturate the soil with nitrogen. This is especially important during the period of active growth: spring - first half of summer. The introduction of nitrogen fertilizers in July, August or autumn is impractical and can even harm the plants.
- Prevention of the spread of diseases and pests - adult plants and seedlings are often sprayed with urea solution.
- Increase in productivity by accelerating growth processes.
- Delayed flowering, which is especially important in late spring (flowers may freeze).
Saltpeter: composition, types of application
Saltpeter is called nitrates of various metals of the total composition XNO3where X can be potassium, sodium, ammonium and other elements:
- sodium (NaNO3);
- potash (KNO3);
- ammonia (NH4NO3);
- magnesium (Mg (NO3)2).
Also, the tool is available in the form of mixtures, for example, ammonium-potassium nitrate or lime-ammonium nitrate. The complex composition has a more effective effect on plants, saturating them not only with nitrogen, but also with potassium, magnesium, calcium and other microelements.
Top dressing is used as one of the main sources of nitrogen. It is also introduced at the beginning of the season for the following purposes:
- Acceleration of green mass gain.
- Increase in yield (ripening dates may come earlier).
- Slight acidification of the soil, which is especially important for alkaline soils with a pH of 7.5-8.0.
It is an explosive substance that requires special conditions for transportation and storage. However, other nitrates can be found in the public domain.
In appearance, ammonium nitrate is practically no different from urea
What is the difference between urea and saltpeter
Despite the fact that ammonium nitrate and urea are fertilizers of the same class (nitrogen), there are several differences between them. To find out what is the difference between them, it is necessary to compare some characteristics.
By composition
In terms of composition, there is a fundamental difference between urea and ammonium nitrate. The first fertilizer is organic, and nitrates are inorganic substances. In this regard, the methods of their use, the rate of exposure and the permissible dosage differ from each other.
In terms of nitrogen content, carbamide is better than nitrate: the latter contains up to 36% nitrogen, and in urea - up to 46%. In this case, urea always has the same composition, and nitrates are a group of inorganic substances, which, along with nitrogen, include potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and other trace elements.
By the effect on soil and plants
Organic fertilizing (urea) is absorbed more slowly by the plant. The fact is that only inorganic substances in the form of ions penetrate into the roots (they are highly soluble in water and differ in small molecular sizes). And the urea molecule is much larger. Therefore, at first the substance is processed by soil bacteria, and only then nitrogen penetrates into the plant tissues.
Saltpeters already contain nitrates - negatively charged NO ions3 - small molecules that quickly penetrate the root hairs together with water. Therefore, the fundamental difference between urea and ammonium nitrate is that organic matter acts more slowly, and inorganic matter much faster.
It will supply the plants with nitrogen for several weeks in a row.
By application
The methods of using these dressings are also different:
- Nitrates (inorganic) can be applied only by root method, i.e. dissolve in water and pour over the root. The fact is that saltpeter does not penetrate the leaves, and it makes no sense to spray the plants.
- Urea (organic matter) can be applied both root and foliar, alternating one and the other. Organic compounds penetrate well just through the tissues of the leaves. And in the soil, they first turn into inorganic, after which they are absorbed by the root system.
Organic nitrogen fertilizers can be applied foliarly
Which is better: nitrate or urea
Both fertilizers (urea and ammonium nitrate) have their pros and cons, so it is difficult to say unequivocally which one is better. For example, urea has the following benefits:
- Increased nitrogen content - at least 10%.
- Lack of explosion hazard (compared to ammonium nitrate).
- It can be applied both root and foliar.
- The impact is long-term, can be used 1-2 times per season.
- Does not increase acidity.
- Does not cause burns on the surface of leaves, stems and flowers, even with foliar application.
The disadvantages of this feeding include:
- Delayed action - the effect is noticeable only after a few weeks.
- Top dressing can be applied exclusively in the warm season, since it does not penetrate the frozen soil.
- It is not recommended to plant in the soil in which the seeds are planted (for example, for seedlings) - their germination may decrease.
- Organics are not allowed to be mixed with other dressings. They can only be entered separately.
The benefits of saltpeter:
- It can be used both in the warm season and in the fall, for the winter.
- Increasing acidity is beneficial for some plants as well as alkaline soil.
- It is quickly absorbed by plants, the result is noticeable almost immediately.
- It destroys weed leaves, so it can be used in a tank mixture with various herbicides. However, spraying must be carried out with care so as not to get on the leaves of the crop (for example, before the emergence of shoots in spring).
- Can be applied in mixtures with other fertilizers.
Disadvantages:
- Ammonium nitrate is an explosive.
- Increases the acidity of the soil, which can be a significant disadvantage for other plants (and even more so for acidic soil).
- The content of nitrogen is less, therefore, the consumption of the substance for the same area is greater.
- If you accidentally touch the leaves or other green part of the plant while watering, it can burn.
Nitrogen compounds contribute to the rapid development of plants
You can use urea fertilizer instead of ammonium nitrate. Organic matter does not change the soil environment, it is recommended to apply it under the root or spray the green part of the plants with a solution. But if you want to achieve a quick effect, it is preferable to use inorganic nitrates.
Which is better for wheat: urea or saltpeter
For winter wheat varieties, it is often saltpeter that is used. The choice is due to the fact that it is assimilated even in frozen soil. Under similar conditions, the use of urea will be ineffective. In fact, it will lie in the ground until the next season, and only after processing by bacteria will it begin to enter plant tissues through the root system.
How to distinguish urea from nitrate
In appearance, it is very difficult to find differences between nitrate and urea. Therefore, several tests need to be carried out:
- If you grind the granules, then after organic matter the fingers will become a little oily, and after nitrates - dry.
- You can make strong lighting and take a closer look at the granules: ammonium nitrate can be pale yellow or even pinkish. At the same time, urea always remains white.
Conclusion
Urea and nitrate are nitrogen fertilizers, which are mainly used separately. Often, summer residents give preference to organic matter, since it does not change the acidity of the soil and is distinguished by long-term exposure. But if there is a need to get a quick effect, it is preferable to use inorganic fertilizer.
