Fertilizers urea (urea) and saltpeter: which is better, differences

Urea and saltpeter are two different nitrogen fertilizers: organic and inorganic, respectively. Each of them has its pros and cons. When choosing dressings, you need to compare them according to the characteristics of the effect on plants, the composition and methods of application.

Urea and saltpeter – is it the same thing or not

These are two different fertilizers, but at the same time they are united by the following characteristics:

1. Composition – both preparations contain nitrogen compounds.
2. Peculiarities of influence: fast set of green mass by plants.
3. Results of application: increase in productivity.

Since urea is organic and nitrate is inorganic, these products differ in the way they are applied. For example, organics are applied both root and foliar. And inorganic compounds – only in the ground. There are also several other significant differences between them. Therefore, we can definitely say that ammonium nitrate is not urea.

Urea: composition, types, application

Urea is the common name for the organic fertilizer urea (chemical formula: CH4N2O). The composition contains the maximum amount of nitrogen (compared to all other means), so urea is considered one of the most effective drugs.

Urea is a white crystalline powder, which is highly soluble in water and ammonia (ammonia). There are no other varieties. Those. chemically and physically, urea always has the same stable composition. At the same time, ammonium nitrate differs from urea in different content, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium nitrate and others.

Urea is produced in the form of white granules of spherical shape.

This tool is used in different cases:

1. As a fertilizer to saturate the soil with nitrogen. This is especially important during the period of active growth: spring – the first half of summer. Applying nitrogen fertilizers in July, August or autumn is not advisable and can even harm plants.
2. Prevention of the spread of diseases and pests – adult plants and seedlings are often sprayed with a solution of carbamide.
3. Increase in productivity due to acceleration of growth processes.
4. Delayed flowering, which is especially important in the case of late spring (flowers may freeze).

Saltpeter: composition, types of application

Saltpeter is called nitrates of various metals of the general composition XNO₃, where X can be potassium, sodium, ammonium and other elements:

• sodium (NaNO₃);
• potash (KNO₃);
• ammonia (NH₄DO NOT₃);
• magnesium (Mg (NO₃)₂).

Also, the product is available in the form of mixtures, for example, ammonium-potassium nitrate or lime-ammonia nitrate. The complex composition has a more effective effect on plants, saturating them not only with nitrogen, but also with potassium, magnesium, calcium and other trace elements.

Top dressing is used as one of the main sources of nitrogen. It is also introduced at the beginning of the season for such purposes:

1. Acceleration of a set of green mass.
2. Increased yield (ripening time may come earlier).
3. Slight acidification of the soil, which is especially important for alkaline soils with pH = 7,5-8,0.

This is an explosive substance that requires special conditions for transportation and storage. However, other nitrates can be found in the public domain.

In appearance, ammonium nitrate is practically no different from carbamide.

What is the difference between urea and saltpeter

Despite the fact that ammonium nitrate and urea are fertilizers of the same class (nitrogen), there are several differences between them. To find out what is the difference between them, you need to compare some characteristics.

By composition

In composition, there is a fundamental difference between urea and ammonium nitrate. The first fertilizer is organic, and nitrates are inorganic substances. In this regard, the methods of their application, the speed of exposure and the permissible dosage differ from each other.

In terms of nitrogen content, carbamide is better than nitrate: the latter contains up to 36% nitrogen, and urea – up to 46%. At the same time, urea always has the same composition, and nitrates are a group of inorganic substances, which, along with nitrogen, include potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and other trace elements.

Effect on soil and plants

Organic top dressing (urea) is more slowly absorbed by the plant. The fact is that only inorganic substances in the form of ions penetrate the roots (they are highly soluble in water and differ in small molecular sizes). And the urea molecule is much larger. Therefore, at first the substance is processed by soil bacteria, and only then nitrogen penetrates into the plant tissues.

Saltpeter already contains nitrates – negatively charged NO ions₃ – small molecules that quickly penetrate into the root hairs along with water. Therefore, the fundamental difference between urea and ammonium nitrate is that organics act more slowly, and inorganics noticeably faster.

It will supply the plants with nitrogen for weeks on end.

By application

The methods of applying these top dressings are also different:

1. Nitrates (inorganics) can only be applied by the root method, i.e. dissolve in water and pour under the root. The fact is that saltpeter does not penetrate the leaves, and it makes no sense to spray the plants.
2. Urea (organic matter) can be applied both root and foliar, alternating one and the other. Organic compounds penetrate well just through the tissues of the leaves. And in the soil, they first turn into inorganic matter, after which they are absorbed by the root system.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers can be applied foliarly

Which is better: saltpeter or carbamide

Both fertilizers (urea and ammonium nitrate) have their pros and cons, so it is difficult to say unequivocally which one is better. For example, urea has the following advantages:

1. Increased nitrogen content – at least 10%.
2. No explosion hazard (compared to ammonium nitrate).
3. It can be applied both root and foliar.
4. The effect is long-lasting, it can be used 1-2 times per season.
5. Does not increase acidity.
6. Does not cause burns on the surface of leaves, stems and flowers, even when applied foliarly.

The disadvantages of this top dressing include:

1. Delayed action – the effect is noticeable only after a few weeks.
2. Top dressing can only be applied during the warm season, since it does not penetrate the frozen soil.
3. It is not recommended to embed in the soil in which the seeds are planted (for example, for seedlings) – their germination may decrease.
4. Organics should not be mixed with other top dressings. They can only be entered separately.

Saltpeter Benefits:

1. It can be used both in the warm season and in autumn, for the winter.
2. Increasing acidity is beneficial for some plants and also for alkaline soil.
3. It is quickly absorbed by plants, the result is noticeable almost immediately.
4. Destroys the leaves of weeds, so it can be used in a tank mix with various herbicides. However, spraying should be carried out with care so as not to get on the leaves of the culture (for example, before germination in the spring).
5. Can be applied in mixtures with other fertilizers.

Disadvantages:

1. Ammonium nitrate is an explosive.
2. It increases the acidity of the soil, which can be a significant disadvantage for other plants (and even more so for acidic soil).
3. There is less nitrogen, therefore, the consumption of the substance for the same area is greater.
4. If you accidentally touch the leaves or other green part of the plant during watering, a burn may remain on it.

Nitrogen compounds contribute to the rapid development of plants

You can use urea fertilizer instead of ammonium nitrate. Organics does not change the soil environment, it is recommended to apply it under the root or spray the green part of the plants with a solution. But if you need to achieve a quick effect, it is preferable to use inorganic nitrates.

Which is better for wheat: urea or saltpeter

Saltpeter is often used for winter wheat varieties. The choice is due to the fact that it is absorbed even in frozen soil. Under similar conditions, the use of carbamide will be ineffective. In fact, it will lie in the ground until the next season, and only after processing by bacteria will it begin to enter plant tissues through the root system.

How to distinguish urea from saltpeter

In appearance, it is very difficult to find the differences between saltpeter and urea. Therefore, several tests need to be done:

1. If you grind the granules, then after organics the fingers will become a little greasy, and after nitrates – dry.
2. You can make strong lighting and look closely at the granules: ammonium nitrate can be pale yellow or even pinkish. At the same time, carbamide always remains white.

Conclusion

Urea and saltpeter are nitrogen fertilizers that are mainly used separately. Often summer residents prefer organic matter, since it does not change the acidity of the soil and has a long-lasting effect. But if there is a need to get a quick effect, it is preferable to use inorganic fertilizer.