Abstract

WERNECK, Carlos Guarino et al. Ammonia volatilization from urea with natural zeolite. Pesq. agropec. bras. [online]. 2012, vol.47, n.3, pp. 466-470. ISSN 0100-204X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2012000300020.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of zeolite addition to granules of urea and of its particles sizes on the loss of NH₃ by volatilization and on the N uptake by sorghum plants. Formulations of urea with addition of zeolites and organic binder, with three-size particles (lower than 2 mm, 2-4 mm, and greater than 4 mm), and ammonium sulfate and urea-NBPT were applied to soil surface on trays in a greenhouse. Natural zeolites addition onto urea granule surface or to granule's composition decreased NH₃-N volatilization by 20% and increased the amount of N absorbed by plants. Nitrogen accumulation in the sorghum plants was inversely proportional to N losses by volatilization.

Keywords : Sorghum bicolor; nitrogen fertilization; clinoptilolite; fertilizer technology.