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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.
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 |
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
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)
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
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)
While agriculture dominates UP consumption (estimated >85% of global demand), several industrial applications exist:
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.
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.
UP serves as a feedstock for producing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), a key ingredient in liquid fire retardants and slow-release fertilizers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
