What Is Urea Fertilizer?

Urea fertilizer is an affordable fertilizer that contains a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Urea is produced naturally in animals and humans, but synthetic urea is made using anhydrous ammonia.

Urea offers gardeners a high dose of nitrogen at cost-effective prices. However, specific steps are needed to prevent nitrogen loss due to chemical reactions that occur when it is applied to soil. When urea comes into contact with soil, a reaction occurs that converts urea to an ammonium bicarbonate. This ammonium changes into gas, which is easily lost if urea is applied incorrectly. Urea fertilizer must be mixed thoroughly into the ground for maximum results.