Carbon Coated Urea

Why Use Carbon Coated Urea?

1. Improved Nitrogen Efficiency

• Reduction in Nitrogen Loss: Urea can be prone to nitrogen loss through volatilization (release of nitrogen as ammonia gas) and leaching, especially in sandy or over-irrigated soils. Humates can help reduce nitrogen loss by improving soil structure and water retention, thereby allowing nitrogen to stay available in the soil for longer periods.
• Slow-Release Effect: Humates can “chelate” or bind with urea, slowing down its conversion into ammonium and nitrate. This creates a more gradual release of nitrogen, reducing the risk of nitrogen burn in plants and making nitrogen available over a longer period, which is particularly beneficial for crops and grass.
• Enhanced N Uptake: Humates improve the efficiency of nitrogen uptake by plants by making nitrogen more available in the root zone and promoting root growth, which helps the grass or plants absorb more nitrogen from the urea.

2. Enhanced Soil Health and Structure

• Soil Organic Matter:** Humates are a rich source of organic carbon, which helps to build up organic matter in the soil. This improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration, which supports the healthy growth of grass and other plants.
• Increased Microbial Activity: Humates stimulate the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, which play a key role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into forms that plants can use. Microbes help convert urea into plant-available nitrogen more efficiently.
• Reduction in Soil Compaction:
• Humates improve soil porosity, which reduces compaction and increases oxygen levels in the root zone. This helps roots grow deeper and more vigorously, allowing for better access to nutrients like nitrogen from urea.

3. Increased Nutrient Retention and Availability

• Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): Humates increase the CEC of the soil, which enhances its ability to retain and exchange nutrients. This means that humates help soil hold onto important nutrients, including nitrogen from urea, and release them when plants need them. This reduces nutrient leaching and improves overall nutrient use efficiency.
• Chelation of Micronutrients: Humic acids in humates can bind with micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and copper, keeping them in forms that are easily available to plants. When urea and humates are applied together, the plants receive both macro and micronutrients in a balanced form.

4. Reduced Risk of Fertilizer Burn

• Gentler on Plants: Urea, when applied in large quantities, can cause nitrogen “burn” to plants due to its high nitrogen concentration. Humates, when combined with urea, buffer the effect of the nitrogen by slowing down its release, making the application gentler on the plants and reducing the risk of burn.
• Improved Soil pH Balance: Urea can sometimes cause the soil pH to become more acidic over time, especially with repeated use. Humates can help buffer soil pH and mitigate the acidic effects of urea, maintaining a more neutral pH in the soil, which is better for plant growth.

5. Cost-Effectiveness
   • Less Urea Required: Because humates improve the efficiency of nitrogen uptake, you may be able to use less urea to achieve the same or even better results. This can reduce the total amount of fertilizer required, saving money in the long run.
   • Extended Fertilizer Longevity: Humates can extend the duration of nitrogen availability in the soil, allowing for fewer applications of urea over the growing season. This can lower labour costs and reduce the amount of fertilizer needed to maintain a healthy pasture or crop.

6. Better Drought and Stress Tolerance

• Water Retention: Humates improve soil structure by increasing the organic matter content, which improves water retention. This is beneficial when using urea because it helps ensure the nitrogen is available even in dry conditions. Humates also help grass or plants develop deeper roots, improving drought tolerance.
• Stress Resistance: The combination of humates and urea helps plants develop stronger root systems and improves their resilience to environmental stress, including drought, disease, and temperature fluctuations.

7. Faster and Healthier Plant Growth

• Root Development: Humates promote root growth, which in turn increases nutrient uptake. When paired with urea, which provides a readily available source of nitrogen, plants (especially grass) grow faster and more robustly.
• Lush Green Growth: The enhanced nitrogen uptake and improved soil health result in healthier, greener, and more vibrant plants. Nitrogen is key to chlorophyll production, which gives grass its rich green colour, and humates help ensure that nitrogen is absorbed efficiently.