Granular urea is a type of urea fertilizer used widely in agriculture due to its high
nitrogen content and ease of application. It is a solid, white granule that is produced
through a process of granulation, which involves the formation of small, spherical pellets
or beads. The production of granular urea begins with the synthesis of ammonia and
carbon dioxide, which are combined under high pressure and temperature to form urea
crystals. These crystals are then melted and formed into droplets that fall through a
tower and are solidified into small, round pellets as they cool. The resulting product is a
uniform, hard, dense granule highly soluble in water.
Granular urea typically has a nitrogen content of around 46%, which makes it one of the
most concentrated nitrogen fertilizers available. It is also relatively easy to handle and
transport and can be stored for long periods without losing effectiveness. One of the
main advantages of granular urea as a fertilizer is its versatility. It can be applied to
various crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and vegetables, and used in dryland and
irrigated farming systems. It is also effective in various soil types and conditions,
including acidic and alkaline soils.
In addition to its usage as a fertilizer, granular urea is also used in various other
applications. It is a feedstock for producing other chemicals, such as melamine and
urea-formaldehyde resins, which manufacture plastics, adhesives, and coatings. It is
also used as a component in animal feed and as a nitrogen source in industrial
processes.
