Common Mistakes Farmers Make When Using Urea Fertilizer – Fazal Agri Mall

Fertilizer is one of the most important investments a farmer makes — and urea fertilizer is by far the most commonly used one in Pakistan. It’s affordable, easily available, and gives crops a quick boost of nitrogen that helps them grow greener and faster.

But here’s the truth: even though urea is a farmer’s best friend, it can also become a problem if not used properly. Many farmers unknowingly make small mistakes that reduce its effectiveness — or even harm their crops and soil in the long run.

At Fazal Agri Mall, we’ve worked with farmers across Pakistan and noticed a few common habits that can easily be fixed. Let’s explore them together.

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🌱 1. Applying Urea During the Wrong Time of Day

One of the biggest mistakes farmers make is applying urea fertilizer during hot hours, especially in the afternoon. When the sun is strong, the nitrogen in urea evaporates quickly as ammonia gas — this process is called volatilization.

👉 Better Way: Always apply urea in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cool. This helps the soil absorb nitrogen efficiently and reduces waste.

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💧 2. Using Urea on Dry Soil

Urea works best when there is enough moisture in the soil. Spreading it on dry land means it stays on the surface and much of it evaporates before plants can absorb it.

👉 Better Way: Apply urea after irrigation or rainfall, or lightly water the field right after application. This helps nitrogen reach the plant roots where it’s needed most.

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🌾 3. Overusing Urea Fertilizer

Many farmers believe that “more fertilizer means more crop,” but that’s not true. Overuse of urea can damage soil structure, reduce beneficial microbes, and lead to burnt leaves or “lodging” (when plants fall over).

👉 Better Way: Follow recommended doses — usually around 1 bag per acre for most crops (but it varies). Always consult an agronomist or product label for the correct amount.

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🌍 4. Not Mixing Urea with Other Nutrients

Urea provides nitrogen — but crops also need phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients to thrive. Many farmers use urea alone and forget to balance it with other fertilizers like DAP or SOP, resulting in nutrient imbalance.

👉 Better Way: Use a balanced fertilizer plan. Combine urea with other fertilizers as recommended for your specific crop and soil type.

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🌿 5. Broadcasting Urea on the Surface

When urea is sprinkled loosely over the soil, much of it is lost through evaporation or runoff. This reduces efficiency and wastes money.

👉 Better Way: Incorporate urea 2–3 cm deep into the soil using light tillage or irrigation. This helps the fertilizer stay where plant roots can access it.

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🧑‍🌾 6. Storing Urea Improperly

Another common mistake is leaving urea bags open or exposed to humidity. Urea absorbs moisture quickly and forms hard lumps, making it difficult to spread evenly.

👉 Better Way: Store urea in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Always keep the bag tightly sealed.

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🌼 Final Thoughts

Urea fertilizer is one of the greatest tools available to Pakistani farmers — but like any tool, it works best when used correctly. By avoiding these simple mistakes, farmers can save money, improve soil health, and achieve higher yields with less effort.

At Fazal Agri Mall, we’re proud to guide farmers toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable fertilizer use. Because farming isn’t just about growing crops — it’s about growing a better future. 🌾