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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Hygroscopicity and ammonia volatilization losses from nitrogen sources in coated urea

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Author(s):
Faria, Leticia de Abreu [1] ; Costa do Nascimento, Carlos Antonio [2] ; Ventura, Barbara Paquier [3] ; Florim, Gabriela Perissinotto [3] ; de Cerqueira Luz, Pedro Henrique [4] ; Vitti, Godofredo Cesar [5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] CENA USP, Ctr Energia Nucl Agr, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil
[2] ESALQ USP, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz, Soil Sci & Plant Nutr Grad Program, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] ESALQ USP, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] FZEA USP, Dept Anim Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[5] ESALQ USP, Dept Soil Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo; v. 38, n. 3, p. 942-948, MAY-JUN 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Hygroscopic fertilizers tend to absorb moisture from the air and may have undesirable characteristics such as moistness, clumping and lower fluidity, hampering the application. The increasing use of urea is due to its numerous advantages, although this nitrogen (N) source is highly susceptible to volatilization losses, particularly when applied to the soil surface of management systems with conservation of crop residues. The volatilization losses can be minimized by slow or controlled-release fertilizers, with controlled water solubility of the urea-coating materials; and by stabilized fertilizers, which prolong the period during which N remains in the amide or ammonia forms by urease inhibitors. This study evaluated the hygroscopicity of and ammonia volatilization from urea coated with boric acid and copper sulfate or with sulfur. The hygroscopicity of the sources was evaluated over time after exposure to five levels of relative humidity (RH) and volatilization evaluated after application to the soil surface covered with sugarcane trash. Ammonium nitrate has a low potential for volatilization losses, but is highly hygroscopic. Although coating with boric acid and copper sulfate or elemental sulfur reduced the critical humidity level of urea, the delay in the volatilization process is a potential positive factor. (AU)