ABSTRACT
Urea (CO(NH2)2) is an organic fertilizer and is a cheapest source of nitrogen. It is a white crystalline salt having hygroscopic nature hence absorbs moisture from the air. It contains about 46 per cent nitrogen, an amount greater than that found in any other commercial solid fertilizer. (Gupta, 2011) Urea fertilizer is a common source of nitrogen for plants, especially vegetables like Amaranthus. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, as it is involved in many physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and chlorophyll formation. However, the effects of urea fertilizer on plant growth depend on several factors, such as the rate, timing, and method of application, as well as the soil type, moisture, and pH. According to some studies, applying urea fertilizer at the rate of 250 kg/ha or more can increase the yield and quality of Amaranthus, compared to lower quantities. (Umeri et al, 2022) However, applying too much urea fertilizer can have negative effects, such as burning the roots, reducing the uptake of other nutrients, and increasing the risk of nitrate leaching and pollution. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended practices for urea fertilizer use, such as splitting the application into two or three doses, applying it close to the planting rows, and incorporating it into the soil to reduce volatilization losses.
