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Urea Types and Applications Guide | Nitrogen Solutions

Urea (chemical formula: CO(NH₂)₂) is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in the world, accounting for over 60% of global nitrogen fertilizer consumption. With its high nitrogen content (46%), excellent solubility, and stable transport properties, urea is used extensively in agriculture, industry, animal feed, and automotive emissions treatment.

Risso offers a wide range of urea products in various forms and purities to meet the needs of agricultural, industrial, and environmental applications.

1. Chemical Properties and Structural Basics
1. Chemical Properties and Structural Basics

2. Classification by Physical Form
2. Classification by Physical Form

3. Classification by Application and Grade
3. Classification by Application and Grade

4. Classification by Release Rate
4. Classification by Release Rate

5 . Modified and Functional Urea Additives
5 . Modified and Functional Urea Additives

6. Urea Production Process and Quality Control
6. Urea Production Process and Quality Control

7. Application and Management Recommendations
7. Application and Management Recommendations

8. Storage, Safety, and Environmental Impact
8. Storage, Safety, and Environmental Impact

9. How to Choose the Right Risso Urea Product
9. How to Choose the Right Risso Urea Product

10. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
10. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Chemical Properties and Structural Basics

Urea is a neutral, odorless, and water-soluble white crystalline compound. Its high nitrogen content (46%) makes it one of the most efficient solid nitrogen sources available.

Molecular Formula: CO(NH₂)₂
Molecular Weight: 60.06 g/mol
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Characteristics: Non-toxic, residue-free, hygroscopic

In agriculture, urea hydrolyzes into ammonium nitrogen, which is readily absorbed by plants. In industry, it serves as a key raw material for resins, adhesives, and pharmaceutical intermediates.

2. Classification by Physical Form

2.1 Granular Urea

Larger granules (2–4 mm) with higher strength and anti-caking properties;
Suitable for mechanical spreading and fertilizer blending;
Risso Granular Urea utilizes low-dust, high-density granulation technology for enhanced storage and application stability.

2.2 Prilled Urea

Small spherical particles (1–2 mm) formed by spraying molten urea into a cooling tower;
Lower production cost and faster solubility;
Less moisture-resistant, not ideal for humid storage conditions.

2.3 Powdered and Crystalline Urea

Mainly used as an industrial raw material;
Risso Technical Urea ensures low biuret and high purity—ideal for resins, pharmaceuticals, and chemical formulations.

2.4 Liquid Urea and UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate)

Formed by dissolving urea with ammonium nitrate;
Suitable for foliar spray or fertigation systems;
Risso provides customized liquid nitrogen formulations for precision agriculture.

3. Classification by Application and Grade

Type	Nitrogen Content	Main Application	Features
Agricultural Grade	46%	Field crops, horticulture	Low cost, fast solubility
Industrial Grade	46%	Resins, adhesives, chemical synthesis	High purity, low impurities
Feed Grade	46%	Non-protein nitrogen for ruminants	Feed safety compliant
Automotive Grade Urea Granules	46%	Diesel exhaust treatment	Meets ISO 22241 standards

Risso offers a complete urea portfolio—from agricultural and industrial grades to feed and automotive-grade urea granules.

4. Classification by Release Rate

4..1 Standard Urea

Rapidly dissolving, suitable for crops with short nitrogen uptake cycles;
Prone to ammonia volatilization—should be incorporated into soil.

4.2 Sulfur-Coated Urea (SCU)

Sulfur layer creates a physical slow-release barrier;
Extends nitrogen release up to 6–8 weeks;
Ideal for turf and perennial crops.

4.3 Polymer-Coated Urea (PCU / ESN)

Polymer membrane controls nitrogen release precisely;
Improves nitrogen-use efficiency by 20–30%;
Risso Controlled-Release series demonstrates superior nitrogen retention in multi-regional trials.

4.4 Urea–Formaldehyde

Chemically polymerized to form chain-like compounds;
Long-term release (several months);
Commonly used in horticultural and turf applications.

5. Modified and Functional Urea Additives

5.1 Urease Inhibitors (NBPT)

Suppress urease activity in soil, reducing ammonia loss.
Risso Enhanced Urea series adopts NBPT technology to increase fertilizer efficiency and environmental protection.

5.2 Nitrification Inhibitors

Slow down conversion of ammonium to nitrate, minimizing nitrogen leaching.
Ideal for sandy or high-rainfall regions.

5.3 Compound Urea (NPK / Micronutrient Blends)

Risso offers custom blends enriched with phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients to enhance overall crop nutrition.

6. Urea Production Process and Quality Control

Risso adopts the advanced Bosch–Meiser high-pressure synthesis process (NH₃ + CO₂ → CO(NH₂)₂ + H₂O), ensuring premium product quality through:

Automated nitrogen and biuret content analysis
Precise control of particle size and crushing strength
Low ash content and excellent solubility

7. Application and Management Recommendations

Method: Incorporate into soil to reduce NH₃ volatilization;
Timing: Apply in multiple doses aligned with crop nitrogen uptake peaks;
Foliar Application: Dilute to 0.5–1% to prevent leaf burn;
Fertigation: Use liquid urea or UAN for best results.

8. Storage, Safety, and Environmental Impact

Store in dry, ventilated areas to prevent moisture absorption;
Prolonged exposure may cause caking and slight ammonia odor;
Controlled-release and inhibitor-treated urea can significantly reduce NH₃ and N₂O emissions.

Risso is committed to low-carbon nitrogen technologies for sustainable agriculture.

9. How to Choose the Right Risso Urea Product

Application Scenario	Recommended Product	Key Features
Fast-growing crops (corn, wheat)	Risso Granular Urea	Rapid absorption, cost-effective
Turf or horticulture	Risso SCU / PCU	Slow-release, fewer applications
Industrial processes	Risso Technical Urea	High purity, low impurity
Ruminant feed	Risso Feed Grade Urea	Safe, stable supply
Diesel emission control	Risso Automotive Urea Granules	ISO 22241 certified

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What’s the difference between granular and prilled urea?

A1: Granular urea has larger, stronger particles suitable for mechanical spreading, while prilled urea dissolves faster but is less moisture-resistant. Risso® provides customizable particle size options for both.

Q2: Which is better—SCU or PCU?

A2: SCU is more cost-effective with moderate release duration; PCU offers precise control and is ideal for high-value crops. Risso® provides multi-layer coating solutions tailored to crop cycles.

Q3: Is NBPT safe to use?

A3: Yes. NBPT is widely used globally and proven safe. Risso® Enhanced Urea meets EU and Chinese fertilizer safety standards.

Q4: Can urea be used for all crops?

A4: Generally yes, but dosage and formulation should be adjusted based on soil, climate, and application method. Contact Risso®’s technical team for customized guidance.

Q5: Does urea affect the environment?

A5: Improper use may cause ammonia volatilization and nitrogen loss. Risso® controlled-release and inhibitor-based products significantly reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

Though urea is a traditional nitrogen fertilizer, modern coating and inhibitor technologies have greatly enhanced its performance. Through continuous R&D and high-purity production, Risso is committed to delivering efficient and sustainable urea solutions for agriculture, industry, and environmental applications.