Maximizing Yield Prediction and Banding Melted Urea for Optimal Split Nitrogen Application
May 19, 2023
So with a split nitrogen application I am looking at melting urea as UAN in bulk is not as easy to source. And from my understanding urea is still usually the cheapest source per pound of N. Hypothetically if I were to do 75% of my N as my weather station and moisture probe increases the yield prediction. How much could I get through application by sprayer ? Or would I need to purchase banding equipment? Agronomically can I band melted urea ? Let's say I have 30 lbs per acre down and need to add 90 as weather permits.
Answers (3):
May 19, 2023
I don't think it makes as much sense as a soil applied banded product because the analysis generally is too low and your volumes would be quite high. In the case of soil application, UAN is probably a better alternative.
May 19, 2023
I have done this for years. Once you get set up, it's not difficult. With every spray, you can apply somewhere between eight and 12 pounds of actual nitrogen. Urea solution is a beautiful carrier for most pesticides, and will actually enhance the uptake of other nutrients, or you are applying at the same time.
May 19, 2023
Yes. You can dissolve dry urea in water and use the solution as you would any liquid or dry nitrogen fertilizer: banded (surface or sub-), broadcast & incorporated, foliar, injected in irrigation water, etc. Urea IS a liquid at time of manufacture, then dried, cooled and pelleted for concentration, storage & transportation purposes.
When dissolving dry urea in water to form a solution, you get an “exo-thermic” reaction. It will cool quickly (more so as concentration and agitation increase).
About a 10% N concentration is the highest you will get with ambient temp water and mild circulation. 20% + is possible with heat, time & agitation.
It is a very common practice where UAN is not easily available or higher priced, and where any NO3 (nitrate) form of N is undesired or necessary.