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Urea Phosphate :High-Efficiency Water-Soluble Fertilizer

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2026-08-07      Origin: Site

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What Is Urea Phosphate?

Urea Phosphate (CAS: 4861-19-2) is a crystalline adduct formed by the reaction of urea and phosphoric acid. Its chemical formula is CO(NH₂)₂ · H₃PO₄.

Unlike blended NP fertilizers, UP is a single-molecule crystalline compound, which explains its consistent nutrient release profile and excellent water solubility. It appears as white, free-flowing crystals with no odor, no chloride, and no sodium — making it ideal for chloride-sensitive crops and closed-loop hydroponic systems.

Core Characteristics

Property

Value

Chemical Formula

CO(NH₂)₂ · H₃PO₄

CAS Number

4861-19-2

Appearance

White crystalline solid

Nitrogen (N)

17.0% minimum

Phosphorus (P₂O₅)

44.0% minimum

Water Solubility

≥ 99.5% (at 20°C, 120 seconds)

pH (1% solution)

1.6 – 2.4

Moisture

≤ 0.3%

Water Insoluble

≤ 0.1%

Molecular Weight

158.05 g/mol

 

Agricultural Applications

1.Fertigation (Drip & Sprinkler)

This is the #1 use case. UP's extreme solubility and acidic pH make it the first-choice phosphate source for drip irrigation systems worldwide.

Recommended concentration: 0.5 – 2.0 g/L of irrigation water, adjusted based on crop stage and soil test results.

Application schedule:

● Vegetative stage: 1.0 – 1.5 g/L, 2–3 times per week

● Flowering/fruiting: 0.5 – 1.0 g/L, 1–2 times per week (shift to MKP for higher K demand)

● Post-harvest recovery: 1.0 g/L, once

2.Foliar Spray

UP penetrates leaf cuticles effectively due to its acidic nature and the urea carrier effect, which enhances phosphorus absorption through stomata and cuticular pores.

Foliar recipe:

● Concentration: 0.5 – 1.0% (5–10 g per liter of water)

● Timing: Early morning or late evening (avoid midday heat)

● Frequency: Every 10–14 days during vegetative and early flowering stages

● pH of spray solution: 2.5 – 3.5 (do not buffer — the acidity aids absorption)

3.Soil Application (Broadcast / Banding)

For conventional field application, UP is effective as a starter fertilizer placed in-furrow or banded near the root zone.

Broadcast:

● 50 – 150 kg/ha, incorporated into the top 10–15 cm

Banded:

● 30 – 80 kg/ha, placed 5 cm below and 5 cm to the side of the seed row

Note:

● Do not place UP in direct seed contact at high rates due to acidity

4.Hydroponics & Soilless Culture

UP is fully soluble with no residue, making it suitable for NFT, DWC, and substrate-based hydroponic systems. Use as part of a balanced A/B nutrient formulation, typically in the A tank (separate from calcium).

Typical contribution to hydroponic stock solution:

● Stock A: UP + potassium nitrate + magnesium sulfate + micronutrients

● Stock B: Calcium nitrate (NEVER mix UP and calcium in the same concentrated stock)

Industrial & Non-Agricultural Uses

While agriculture dominates UP consumption (estimated >85% of global demand), several industrial applications exist:

1.Flame Retardants

Urea Phosphate is used as a phosphorus-nitrogen synergist in intumescent flame-retardant formulations for textiles, wood, and polymers. The combination of nitrogen and phosphorus in a single molecule provides both gas-phase and condensed-phase flame inhibition.

2.Industrial Cleaning & Descaling

At higher concentrations, UP solutions dissolve mineral scale (calcium carbonate, iron oxides) in heat exchangers, boilers, and industrial piping. Its advantage over pure phosphoric acid is lower corrosivity to metals at equivalent descaling performance.

3.Specialty Chemical Intermediate

UP serves as a feedstock for producing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), a key ingredient in liquid fire retardants and slow-release fertilizers.

4.Animal Feed Additive (Non-Medical)

In ruminant nutrition, UP provides non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and phosphorus supplementation in feed formulations — though regulatory approval varies by country and requires food/feed-grade material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Urea Phosphate and regular urea?

Regular urea (46-0-0) provides nitrogen only. Urea Phosphate (17-44-0) delivers nitrogen plus phosphorus in a single water-soluble crystal. UP is also highly acidic (pH 1.6–2.4), while urea solutions are near-neutral.

Q2: Can I mix Urea Phosphate with calcium nitrate?

No. Mixing UP with calcium nitrate in concentrated solution causes calcium phosphate precipitation, forming an insoluble sludge that clogs irrigation systems. Always use separate stock tanks (A/B system) when both are part of your nutrient program.

Q3: Is Urea Phosphate organic?

No. Urea Phosphate is a synthetic mineral fertilizer produced by chemical reaction. It is not certified for organic agriculture under USDA NOP, EU Organic, or equivalent standards.

Q4: What crops respond best to Urea Phosphate?

Crops grown in alkaline or calcareous soils (pH >7.5) show the strongest response. This includes tomatoes, citrus, grapes, potatoes, and greenhouse vegetables in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South Asia, and parts of the Americas. Chloride-sensitive crops (tobacco, potato, strawberry) also benefit from UP's chloride-free formulation.

Q5: Can Urea Phosphate be used as a foliar spray?

Yes. UP is an excellent foliar phosphorus source at 0.5–1.0% concentration. The urea component enhances cuticular penetration, and the acidic pH is not harmful to leaves at recommended dilution. Avoid spraying during peak heat or direct midday sun.

Q6: How does UP reduce clogging in drip irrigation?

At higher concentrations (2% solution), UP acts as an acid line cleaner. The low pH dissolves calcium carbonate scale and iron deposits that build up inside drip lines and emitters. Regular maintenance flushes with UP can restore emitter flow rates and extend system life.

Q7: What is the shelf life of Urea Phosphate?

24 months from the production date when stored unopened in a cool, dry environment (<40°C, <60% RH). Opened bags should be used promptly or resealed airtight.

Q8: Does Urea Phosphate require special transport conditions?

No. UP is non-hazardous, non-flammable, and not classified as dangerous goods for sea or road transport. Standard container shipping in ventilated conditions is sufficient.


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