Urea is one of the most essential fertilizers for wheat cultivation. It provides nitrogen to plants, which is crucial for healthy growth and increasing crop yields. In wheat farming, urea is primarily used during the second and third irrigations. In recent times, farmers in states like Madhya Pradesh have commonly used small-granule urea, but the question remains: which is more beneficial for wheat crops—granular sulfur-coated urea or small-granule urea?
Small-granule urea is widely available and contains 46% nitrogen, making it an effective source of this vital nutrient. It dissolves quickly in water, allowing plants to absorb nitrogen rapidly. However, the drawback of small-granule urea is that it is prone to leaching due to excessive rain or irrigation. When this happens, the nutrients leach away from the plant roots, leading to water pollution and preventing plants from receiving adequate nutrition.
Granular urea, on the other hand, is designed to dissolve slowly. This slow-release mechanism ensures that plants receive a steady supply of nitrogen over a longer period, reducing the chances of nitrogen loss due to evaporation or water leaching. Virendra Singh Solanki, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, explains that granular urea not only provides better nutrition to plants but also helps conserve the fertilizer, making it more efficient for crop growth.
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Sulfur-coated urea has gained popularity in recent years as a highly effective fertilizer. This type of urea has a sulfur coating on its granules, which allows for a gradual dissolution. It contains 37% nitrogen and 17% sulfur, offering long-term nourishment to plants. The sulfur in the urea helps improve the quality of the crop and enhances its overall yield. Sulfur also plays a key role in increasing the plant’s resistance to disease and improving its overall health.
Which Urea Should Farmers Use? Agricultural experts recommend the use of granular sulfur-coated urea wherever possible. Granular urea, with its slow-release and enhanced nutrient delivery mechanism, is more beneficial than small-granule urea, particularly for wheat and other rabi crops. The gradual release of nitrogen and sulfur ensures better yield and overall crop nutrition.
Urea Packaging and Availability:
Conclusion: Granular and sulfur-coated urea are superior fertilizers for wheat and other rabi crops. They provide long-term nourishment to plants, reduce nitrogen loss, and prevent water pollution. These fertilizers are crucial for enhancing crop yields and ensuring efficient nutrient delivery. Farmers are encouraged to prioritize these urea options to achieve better productivity and healthier crops.
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