Nitrogen Release from Coated Urea Fertilizers in Different Soils

The nitrogen (N) release from coated urea fertilizers (Arborite and ESN), traditional N fertilizers [urea, (NH2)2CO], and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) [(NH2)2CO, NH4NO3] in three North Carolina (USA) soils was measured throughout a 12-week laboratory incubation. Treatments were N source and moisture level (60% and 80% of field capacity). In both the Candor and Cecil soils, 40% of the Arborite N had released by day 2 after addition to the soil. Maximum Arborite N release was achieved by week 6 for both soils. The ESN N release began between weeks 1 and 2, and maximum release was attained by week 6 for the Candor and by week 8 for the Cecil soil. The ESN reached 70% release on Portsmouth by week 8 and Arborite had an immediate release. Field studies of these coated ureas would be needed to determine if they are economically viable over more traditional N fertilizers in North Carolina.