I broadcast urea on dry soil in the afternoon and a lot of it just sits there. Sometimes I can smell ammonia. Am I losing my money and what is the right way to apply it?
Yes, broadcasting urea on hot dry soil in the middle of the day is one of the biggest ways nitrogen is lost. When you smell ammonia, that is nitrogen escaping into the air (volatilisation), and it is gone for the crop. A few simple habits cut this loss a lot. Apply urea in the cool part of the day, early morning or evening, not in peak afternoon sun. Apply when the soil has moisture or when a light irrigation or rain is expected within a day or two, so the urea moves into the soil instead of sitting on top. Even better, if your field allows, place or lightly incorporate it near the root zone rather than scattering it on the bare surface. Splitting nitrogen into 2 or 3 doses through the season instead of one big dose also reduces loss and feeds the crop when it needs it. For the exact quantity per acre, follow your Soil Health Card or soil test and your local KVK recommendation for that crop, and do not over-apply, because extra urea beyond the crop need is the part that gets wasted.
I started giving urea just before my irrigation turn, big difference. The water carries it down and I do not get that ammonia smell now.
Evening application changed things for me too. In the afternoon heat half of it used to fly away.
Get free daily mandi prices, MSP changes, scheme cut-offs and weather alerts - and your own Kisan ID.
Today's rates, MSP moves, scheme deadlines and weather - the moment they matter.
Join Bharat Annadata Sangh free - get a digital farmer ID card and free answers from our Krishi Team.
100% free · No spam · Prices from Agmarknet · Unsubscribe anytime
