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Polymer Coated Urea Application Guide for Corn, Rice & Crops

As global agriculture moves toward higher efficiency and sustainable fertilization, polymer coated urea has become an increasingly important solution for long-term nitrogen management. Many professional fertilizer manufacturers, including Risso, have developed PCU urea products designed to meet different crop and climate requirements while maintaining consistent nutrient performance.

This guide provides a practical overview of how polymer coated urea works, how it should be applied to corn, rice, and other crops, and what key technical parameters growers and distributors should understand.

1. What Is Polymer Coated Urea (PCU Urea)?
1. What Is Polymer Coated Urea (PCU Urea)?

2. How Polymer Coated Urea Controls Nitrogen Release
2. How Polymer Coated Urea Controls Nitrogen Release

3. Polymer Coated Urea for Corn (Maize)
3. Polymer Coated Urea for Corn (Maize)

4. Polymer Coated Urea for Rice
4. Polymer Coated Urea for Rice

5. PCU Urea for Other Crops
5. PCU Urea for Other Crops

6. Key Technical Parameters of Polymer Coated Urea
6. Key Technical Parameters of Polymer Coated Urea

7. Frequently Asked Questions About PCU Urea
7. Frequently Asked Questions About PCU Urea

8. Conclusion
8. Conclusion

1. What Is Polymer Coated Urea (PCU Urea)?

Polymer coated urea (PCU) is a controlled release nitrogen fertilizer produced by coating conventional urea granules with a polymer layer. This coating regulates the movement of water into the granule and controls the diffusion rate of nitrogen into the soil.

Unlike conventional urea, which dissolves rapidly after application, PCU urea releases nitrogen gradually over a defined period. This makes polymer coated urea especially suitable for crops with long or clearly staged nitrogen demand, such as corn and rice.

2. How Polymer Coated Urea Controls Nitrogen Release

The controlled release mechanism of PCU urea is based on physical diffusion rather than chemical inhibitors. Once applied to the soil:

Water penetrates the polymer coating
Urea dissolves inside the granule
Nitrogen diffuses outward at a controlled rate

Release speed is influenced by soil temperature, moisture, and coating thickness. In warmer conditions, nutrient release accelerates, aligning naturally with periods of active crop growth. Most PCU formulations offer controlled release periods ranging from 30 to 180 days, allowing precise matching with crop growth cycles.

3. Polymer Coated Urea for Corn (Maize)

Corn requires a continuous nitrogen supply from early vegetative growth through grain filling. Using polymer coated urea for corn allows nitrogen to remain available during critical stages without frequent topdressing.

Recommended application:

Apply PCU urea as a basal fertilizer before or at planting
Select a 90–120 day release period for most maize-growing regions
Adjust nitrogen rates based on yield targets and soil fertility

This approach improves nitrogen use efficiency, supports uniform crop development, and helps reduce nitrogen losses common with split urea applications.

4. Polymer Coated Urea for Rice

Rice cultivation is particularly prone to nitrogen loss due to flooded conditions and high temperatures. Polymer coated urea for rice helps reduce ammonia volatilization and improves nitrogen retention in paddy soils.

Recommended application:

Apply PCU urea as basal fertilizer before transplanting or direct seeding
Use 60–120 day controlled release formulations
Combine with balanced phosphorus and potassium fertilization

This strategy provides steady nitrogen availability from tillering to heading, contributing to improved yield stability and grain quality.

5. PCU Urea for Other Crops

Polymer coated urea is also widely used in:

Wheat and barley
Cotton and soybean
Vegetables and fruit trees
Turfgrass and horticultural crops

For long-season crops or perennial plants, extended-release PCU urea (120–180 days) can significantly reduce fertilizer application frequency while maintaining consistent nutrient supply. Fertilizer producers such as Risso often customize coating ratios to match different crop requirements and regional climates.

6. Key Technical Parameters of Polymer Coated Urea

Understanding technical specifications helps ensure correct product selection and application.

Item	Typical Specification
Product Type	Polymer Coated Urea (PCU)
Total Nitrogen (N)	46%
Granule Size	2.0 – 4.0 mm
Coating Material	High-performance polymer
Coating Ratio	2% – 8%
Controlled Release Period	30 / 60 / 90 / 120 / 180 days
Initial Release (25°C)	5% – 15%
Release Mechanism	Water penetration and diffusion
Application Method	Basal application, broadcasting, banding
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry, well-ventilated area

7. Frequently Asked Questions About PCU Urea

Is polymer coated urea more efficient than conventional urea?

Yes. PCU urea improves nitrogen use efficiency by synchronizing nutrient release with crop demand and reducing volatilization and leaching losses.

Can PCU urea replace split fertilizer applications?

In many cases, a single basal application of PCU urea can replace multiple split applications of conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

Is PCU urea suitable for different climates?

Polymer coated urea performs well in both tropical and temperate regions, as nutrient release naturally adjusts with soil temperature and moisture.

Is PCU urea environmentally friendly?

By reducing nitrogen losses and improving fertilizer efficiency, PCU urea supports sustainable and precision agriculture practices.

8. Conclusion

Polymer coated urea offers an effective and flexible solution for nitrogen management across a wide range of crops, from corn and rice to vegetables and perennial systems. When properly selected and applied, PCU urea helps improve nitrogen efficiency, reduce labor input, and support stable crop yields.

With increasing demand for controlled release nitrogen fertilizers, manufacturers like Risso continue to refine PCU technologies to meet the needs of modern agriculture while maintaining reliable performance under diverse field conditions.