Q- What is solubilized or melted urea?
A. It is the process of taking pure dry urea (46-0-0) and introducing it to water for the purpose of creating aqueous (liquid) urea.
Q- What is the difference between solubilized urea and melted urea?
A. They are the same product, using the same process. However, solubilizing and solubilized are the more accurate terms to describe the process and product, so we will be using these terms from this point on.
Q-Why solubilize urea?
A. The main reason is summed up in one word- efficiency. When properly solubilized, studies have shown it has a minimum 4.2:1 efficiency factor over soil placed 46-0-0. Some recent studies have shown it to have efficiencies of 7:1 or even 9:1.
Q- What are the benefits to solubilized urea on my farm?
A. Many. First off, for every actual pound of nitrogen as solubilized urea that you are applying as a foliar, the plant is seeing the equivalent of at least 4.2 lbs of actual nitrogen as compared to soil applied urea. That in of itself is a huge saving. Secondly, when combined with our reduced up-front fertility program, can dramatically reduce the reliance and use of plant growth regulators (PGR’s), insecticides, and fungicides. In our particular situation on irrigation, we haven’t required ANY synthetic PGR’s, Insecticides or fungicides for the past 7 years, as the processes that induce the requirement for these products is virtually eliminated from the start.
Q-How is it applied?
A. A conventional field sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles, which is used for spraying herbicides is set up just fine. You do not require any expensive add-ons or modifications like streamer bars, etc.
Q-Does it have to be applied by itself or can I combine it with other products?
A. You can apply solubilized urea alone or in combination with other fertilizers or herbicides or both, provided compatibility checks are done.
Q- Are there any precautions to watch out for?
A. As with any application of fertilizer or herbicide always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow manufacturer’s label instructions with anything you are adding to the solution. Some herbicides can cause leaf burning if used at full rate with solubilized urea, as the solution “heats up” the activity of the herbicide.
Q- Are contaminants a problem?
A. Yes they sure can be. When you are sourcing your urea, ALWAYS request that this product be free from additives like ESN, which is essence a plastic coating around the urea prill. It will NOT break down during the solubilizing process and will create huge plugging issues with all the plastic floating around. Remember, “Filters are Your Friend”. ALWAYS use a y-strainer with a 50-mesh filter after solubilizing when adding the final product to your end-use tank. Even if the urea supplier confirms there is no ESN, use a filter downstream from your urea solubilizing tank. You will be surprised what you strain out.
Q- What is the process to solubilize urea? Is it hard to do?
A. No, it is not difficult to do if you have the right equipment. Watch this video here to see the process. https://youtu.be/zm-gcURfi9A?si=ar6KrnYKPaN_LJBF.
Q- Can I use a flat bottom tank?
A. We would strongly recommend you do NOT use a flat bottom tank, as it is difficult to get everything into suspension properly. Having said that, there are ways to do it, but it will require much more work to accomplish the same end result. We recommend the use of a 30 degree cone bottom tank.
Q- Why do you recommend a 30 degree cone bottom tank as opposed to a 15 degree or flat bottom?
A. We want to set you up for success. Over the past 14 years of doing this, we have witnessed too many times where people will “cheap out” thinking that they can use flat or 15 degree tank as it is what they have on hand. Almost always, it results in the them thinking the product is all solubilized, then thy apply it and see very little effect on their crop. When they get to the bottom of the tank there is an 8-12 inch layer of unsolubilized urea sludge in the bottom. They then say “This method does not work” and abandon everything, giving this process a bad name due to their unwillingness to learn from those who have gone before them. Once again, you are free to use any vessel you choose, but be aware of the pitfalls that may await you.
Q- Can I do this process any time of the year?
A. Yes and no. Cold water makes the solubilizing process extremely slow, which can be frustrating. You can cut mixing time by 75% if you wait until it is a warm day above 25 C and you use a black tank with water sitting in it for a few days prior. Watch the Tips &Tricks video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/EmgBa1YDHEM?si=qMz7v6eP94w0mdCL
Q- Once I have solubilized the urea into a liquid, do I need to keep agitating it to keep from settling?
A. No. the product, provided it is solubilized to the correct ratios, will stay in suspension all season long until you are ready to use it. It will even over-winter but will fall out of suspension when the temperature get well below freezing. In the spring a re-circulation will put it back into suspension and you are good to go.
Q- Is Biuret a problem?
A. It can be. Biuret is a product that is applied to the dry fertilizer to reduce clumping and dust during the handling of the product. Always check your source where you obtain your 46-0-0 to ensure there is no biuret applied. If there is, the maximum allowable tolerance is 1%. Anything higher than that can potentially cause crop burning. Most of the fertilizer that is produced in Western Canada does not have biuret applied to it. It is frequently found in overseas imported fertilizer to prevent clumping while in transit across the ocean in high humidity situations.
Q- Do I need to be part of a “program” to make this work?
A. Absolutely not. You are free to use and apply this product as you see fit. If, however you are looking for a bit more guidance to assist you in dialing it in more specifically for your crops we can provide those services as well, drawing from our 14 years of farm-applied knowledge. Feel free to reach out for a no-obligation initial consultation.
