Nitrogen Application in Warm Dry Weather
Applying any urea containing fertilizer to the soil surface during warm, dry, windy conditions will maximize the potential for N volatilization losses. This loss occurs quickly, starting within hours following application with most of the loss occurring within 2 days following application.
Surface-applied urea or urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution is susceptible to significant loss of N by ammonia volatilization. As much as one-third of the N from urea can be lost if the fertilizer is not incorporated quickly by tillage or one-half inch of soaking rainfall. Many farmers, particularly no-tillers, count on rainfall to incorporate urea or UAN and thus minimize volatilization loss.
Click Here to read more.