Urea Phosphate (17-44-0) is a unique, fully water-soluble fertilizer that combines nitrogen and phosphorus in an acidifying complex. With 17% nitrogen and 44% phosphorus (P₂O₅), it provides a powerful nutrient package while actively lowering the pH of irrigation water and alkaline soils. This dual action improves nutrient availability, prevents scale formation in drip systems, and enhances phosphorus uptake in calcareous and high-pH growing media.

I. Scientific and Agronomic Advantages

Strong Acidifying Effect
Urea phosphate has a 1% solution pH of 1.5–2.0. When injected into irrigation water, it neutralizes bicarbonates and reduces water pH to the optimal range of 5.5–6.5. This lower pH keeps phosphorus and micronutrients in solution, prevents emitter clogging from calcium carbonate precipitation, and increases the availability of iron, zinc, and manganese in alkaline soils.

High Phosphorus Availability
The phosphorus in urea phosphate is entirely water-soluble and in the orthophosphate form, which plants absorb directly. In calcareous (high-lime) soils where conventional phosphates are quickly fixed, the acidifying action of UP keeps phosphorus available for weeks, resulting in 30–50% higher phosphorus use efficiency compared to monoammonium phosphate or diammonium phosphate.

Dual Nutrient Supply
Urea phosphate delivers 17% nitrogen (in the amide/ammonium form) and 44% P₂O₵. The nitrogen component supports vegetative growth, while the high-phosphorus ratio promotes root development, flowering, fruiting, and seed formation. This combination is especially valuable during early growth and reproductive stages.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems
Continuous or periodic injection of urea phosphate dissolves existing calcium and magnesium carbonate scale inside drip lines, eliminating the need for aggressive acid cleaning. Growers report fewer clogged emitters and longer equipment life.

II. Application Methods and Recommendations

Fertigation (Drip and Sprinkler Systems)

• Rate: 5 to 15 kg per hectare per application, depending on crop stage and water alkalinity.
• Concentration: Maintain 0.5 to 1.5 grams per liter of irrigation water.
• Frequency: Inject weekly during early growth, flowering, and fruit set.
• Benefit: Lowers water pH from 7.5–8.5 to 5.5–6.5, improving nutrient solubility.

Alkaline Soil Correction

• Rate: 200 to 400 kg per hectare, banded or broadcast before planting.
• Timing: Incorporate into the root zone 1–2 weeks before seeding or transplanting.
• Result: Temporarily lowers soil pH around the root zone, freeing up locked phosphorus and micronutrients.

Foliar Application

• Concentration: 0.5 to 1.0% solution (500–1000 g per 100 L water).
• Timing: Apply during early vegetative growth or at first signs of phosphorus deficiency.
• Caution: Do not exceed 1% to avoid leaf burn; apply in cool morning hours.

Starter Fertilizer for Row Crops

• Rate: 50 to 100 kg per hectare placed 5 cm below and 5 cm beside the seed.
• Benefit: Provides highly available phosphorus for rapid root establishment, even in cool or alkaline soils.

III. Technical Specifications

Chemical Properties

• Chemical formula: CO(NH₂)₂·H₃PO₄
• Total nitrogen: 17.0% minimum
• Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 44.0% minimum
• Water-soluble P₂O₅: ≥ 98%
• pH of 1% solution: 1.5 – 2.0
• Equivalent acidity: 600 kg calcium carbonate per 100 kg product

Physical Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Particle size: 0.2 – 1.5 mm (standard), fine grade available
• Bulk density: 900 – 1000 kg/m³
• Solubility: 800 g/L at 20°C
• Moisture: ≤ 0.3%
• Dust content: very low

Quality Standards

• Purity: ≥ 99%
• Heavy metals: Cd ≤ 1 ppm, Pb ≤ 2 ppm, As ≤ 1 ppm
• Chloride: ≤ 0.01%
• Insoluble matter: ≤ 0.05%

IV. Crop-Specific Response and Benefits

Fruit Trees (Citrus, Apple, Grape)
Drip application of urea phosphate (10–15 kg/ha/week) from flowering to fruit enlargement significantly increases fruit set, size, and sugar content (Brix). In calcareous soils, it eliminates iron chlorosis and improves root activity. Growers report 15–25% higher marketable yield.

Vegetable Crops (Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber)
Using urea phosphate in fertigation from transplanting through early fruit set ensures uniform growth and reduces blossom-end rot due to improved calcium availability. Trials show 20–30% increase in early yield and better fruit firmness.

Cereals (Wheat, Corn)
Band application of urea phosphate as a starter (50–70 kg/ha) accelerates early root development, leading to stronger tillering and higher grain weight. In high-pH soils, it outperforms other phosphorus sources by 15–20% in grain yield.

Ornamentals and Turf
Urea phosphate is ideal for injection into sprinkler systems on golf courses and nurseries. It provides rapid greening, controls algae in irrigation ponds, and prevents scale buildup in pipes.

Hydroponic Systems
Due to its acidifying power, urea phosphate is used to maintain nutrient solution pH in the range of 5.8–6.2 while supplying both nitrogen and phosphorus. It is compatible with calcium nitrate when injected separately.

V. Economic and Environmental Advantages

Reduced Fertilizer Costs
Higher phosphorus efficiency from urea phosphate means lower total phosphorus application rates – typically 20–30% less compared to conventional MAP or DAP. The acidifying action also reduces or eliminates the need for separate acid injection for pH control.

Lower Maintenance Costs
Preventing lime scale in drip irrigation systems extends the life of emitters, filters, and pumps. Many farmers save thousands of dollars annually on system cleaning and replacement.

Environmentally Friendly
Because urea phosphate reduces phosphorus fixation, less phosphorus is lost to runoff or accumulation in soil. Improved efficiency means lower risk of eutrophication in nearby water bodies.

VI. Compatibility and Mixing Guidelines

Compatible Products
Urea phosphate can be tank-mixed with most water-soluble fertilizers (potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, micronutrients) and with many pesticides (avoid alkaline formulations). It is compatible with ammonium nitrate, urea, and SOP.

Incompatible Products
Do not mix with calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, or any highly alkaline materials (lime, copper hydroxide, Bordeaux mixture) in concentrated form, as precipitation will occur. In fertigation, inject calcium and phosphate fertilizers separately.

Mixing Procedure
Fill tank with water, add urea phosphate while stirring, then add other compatible fertilizers. Check pH of final solution; it should remain below 6.5. Use within 24 hours.

VII. Safety and Storage

Worker Safety
Urea phosphate is acidic and can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling. In case of contact, flush with plenty of water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; drink water and seek medical advice.

Storage
Store in original sealed bags in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from alkaline materials and moisture. Shelf life: 24 months. Avoid temperatures above 40°C to prevent caking.

Environmental Precautions
Avoid spills into waterways. If spilled, contain and neutralize with lime or sodium bicarbonate. Dispose according to local regulations.

VIII. Quality Assurance and Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing
• ISO 14001:2015 environmental management
• REACH registered
• EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009 compliant
• Heavy metals tested by third-party laboratories

IX. Why Choose Our Urea Phosphate

Proven Performance
Extensive field trials across 20+ countries show that urea phosphate improves phosphorus uptake by 30–50% in calcareous and alkaline soils compared to standard phosphates.

Consistent Quality
Our urea phosphate is produced under strict quality control, guaranteeing 17–44 analysis with low heavy metals and excellent solubility.

Technical Support
Our agronomists help you design fertigation programs, calculate acidification requirements, and diagnose phosphorus deficiency or irrigation scale problems.

Flexible Packaging
Available in 25 kg moisture-proof bags, 1-ton bulk bags, and full container loads. Custom labeling and blending also offered.