UAN fertilizers are urea-ammonium mixtures that are often used in agricultural practice. In most cases, such products are used to feed winter cereals. However, they can also be used to process other types of crops. The substance is released in the form of a liquid concentrate. It must be mixed with water and applied by root or foliar method.
Composition and form of fertilizer release
UAN fertilizers contain the following components:
- 30% urea;
- 40% saltpeter;
- 30% water and corrosion inhibitors.
In total, fertilizers contain 27-32% nitrogen. This component is presented in the drug in the following forms:
- nitrate – quickly absorbed by crops;
- ammonium - after a certain time it is transformed into an digestible form;
- amide - first the substance passes into the ammonium and then the nitrate form.
Therefore, the use of UAN fertilizers helps to achieve a long-term effect. Even when frozen, the solutions retain their agrochemical characteristics and remain stable as temperatures increase. Therefore, specific storage conditions are not needed.
Scope of use and effectiveness
From a chemical point of view, the drug is considered a solution of ammonium nitrate and urea, and the components are combined in optimal proportions.
Moreover, the properties of the drug are determined by the components that are present in its composition:
- Nitrate nitrogen is actively absorbed by the root system. Thanks to this, crops are saturated with nutrients in a short time. This makes the use of fertilizing more effective.
- Ammonium nitrogen cannot be absorbed by plant elements. The action of this substance is based on the fact that it is perfectly preserved in the soil and is resistant to leaching. Therefore, the composition can be used in areas with high groundwater levels and in areas with increased precipitation. Also, the presence of this component allows you to fertilize in the first spring months. At the same time, under the influence of temperature and the work of soil microorganisms, the composition is transformed into the nitrate form.
- Amide nitrogen - it is perfectly absorbed by the leaves of crops. However, for this to happen, the substance must first take the ammonium and then the nitrate form. Thanks to the multicomponent reaction, it is possible to achieve a longer-lasting effect from the use of fertilizing.
Instructions for use of CAS
CAS can be used in 2 main ways:
- Root - in this case, the substance is distributed over the surface of the earth. Although the composition does not contain free form ammonia, in hot weather and in the absence of rainfall or watering, a small surface seal should be done.
- Foliar - in this case, foliage is irrigated. The procedure is performed during the growing season or during frosts, when the plant cannot receive nutrition by the root method. It is best to carry out the procedure in the morning or evening. Daytime work can only be carried out in cloudy, cool weather.
Substance application rates depend on many factors. This is influenced by the type of plant, the treatment period, the method of applying the drug, and climatic conditions. For cereal crops, triple irrigation tactics are suitable:
- In spring, after the snow melts. In this case, the temperature should be no more than +10 degrees. For 1 hectare it is required to use 30-40 kilograms of fertilizer. There is no need to dilute it.
- In late spring or summer, at the bolting stage. The composition can be combined with microelements, growth stimulants, and pesticides. For 1 hectare it is worth using 30 kilograms of the active substance. It must be mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2. When using the herbicide simultaneously, use a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4.
- In autumn, at the initial stage of heading. Winter crops need to be fed at the rate of 10 kilograms of the drug per 1 hectare.
Safety precautions
The product requires compliance with a number of recommendations for storage and transportation. Spraying UAN is required using special equipment.
If the rules for using fertilizer are violated, there is a risk of burns on the shoots.
What is compatible with?
The product can be combined with pesticides, growth stimulants and microelements. This will help enrich the soil with nutrients and protect plants from pests.
Storage and transportation
UAN must be stored in special containers. The composition is considered flammable and explosive. Moreover, it is characterized by a low crystallization temperature and freezing at -26 degrees. Due to this, it is possible to transport and store fertilizer for a whole year. The formation of crystals and temporary freezing of the substance are not dangerous.
Analogs
Analogs of the product include Plantafol and nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer NP.
UAN fertilizers are considered effective means that help saturate the soil with nitrogen and stimulate the growth of green mass of plants. It is important to apply fertilizing correctly.
