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Biuret in urea fertilizer

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Abstract

Urea has become the leading form of N fertilizer worldwide. Historically there has been concern about biuret formed during the manufacturing of urea fertilizer and the potential adverse effect of biuret on plant growth. In this paper, the fate of biuret in soils and its phytotoxicity is reviewed. Biuret is mineralized by many soil micoorganisms, but the process is much slower than for urea. Excessively high biuret concentrations can damage seedlings and, like urea, should not be placed in close proximity to germinating seeds. Crop tolerance to biuret varies according to the plant species, soil conditions, fertilizer placement, and method of application. Biuret applied to soil or to plant foliage interferes with N metabolism and protein synthesis. The current standards in the fertilizer industry supply adequate protection against biuret-induced damage to crops.

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  1. Agricultural Research Department, National Fertilizer & Environmental Research Center, 35660, Muscle Shoals, AL, USA

    R. L Mikkelsen

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  1. R. L Mikkelsen
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Mikkelsen, R.L. Biuret in urea fertilizer. Fertilizer Research 26, 311–318 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01048769

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