How do I avoid fertiliser burn after applying urea near young plants?

Fertiliser burn happens when concentrated fertiliser, especially urea, sits too close to tender roots or leaves, or when granules land and stick on wet foliage, pulling moisture out of the tissue and scorching it. To avoid it: keep fertiliser granules off the leaves, and if any land on wet foliage, water lightly to wash them off. Do not place a heavy band of urea pressed right against young roots; keep a gap or band it to the side. Apply to moist soil and follow with irrigation so the fertiliser dilutes and spreads rather than staying concentrated in one spot. Avoid dumping the whole nitrogen dose at once on a tender young crop; splitting it into smaller doses reduces burn risk and feeds the crop steadily. Spread evenly instead of in clumps. For the right placement distance and split for your crop stage, follow your KVK advice, keep totals within your Soil Health Card or soil test recommendation, and do not over-apply.