Nano urea is a liquid nitrogen fertiliser that is sprayed on crop leaves. It was developed and launched by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in 2021, and the government has promoted it to reduce the use and import of conventional urea. Here is what farmers should know.
What is nano urea
Nano urea contains nitrogen in the form of very small particles suspended in liquid. It comes in bottles and is diluted in water and sprayed on leaves. Plants absorb nitrogen through the leaves, rather than only through the roots as with granular urea.
How it is different from regular urea
- Regular urea is a granular fertiliser spread on the soil.
- Nano urea is a liquid sprayed on leaves.
- Nano urea is meant to supplement and partly replace the top dressing of granular urea, not the full nitrogen needed at sowing.
How to use it
- Shake the bottle well.
- Mix the recommended quantity in water, usually a few millilitres per litre, as per the label.
- Spray evenly on the leaves using a sprayer.
- Spray at key growth stages, such as tillering or branching and before flowering, as advised for your crop.
- Spray in the morning or evening, avoiding strong sun, wind or rain.
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Drone spraying
Nano fertilisers can be sprayed using drones, which saves time and labour. Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, women self help groups provide drone spraying services to farmers.
Benefits claimed
- Easy to carry and store.
- May reduce the amount of granular urea needed for top dressing.
- Less nitrogen lost to the environment, as per the manufacturer.
What studies say
Results from field trials have been mixed. Some trials reported savings in urea use, while some studies by agricultural universities found lower yields when granular urea was cut too much. Farmers should follow the advice of their state agricultural university or Krishi Vigyan Kendra for their crop and soil, rather than cutting basal fertiliser sharply.
Nano DAP
IFFCO also launched nano DAP, a liquid form of di ammonium phosphate, used for seed treatment and foliar spray. The same caution applies: follow local expert advice.
Safety tips
- Wear gloves and a mask while spraying.
- Keep bottles away from children and animals.
- Do not mix with other chemicals unless the label or experts allow it.
Soil testing
Use a soil test through the Soil Health Card scheme to decide the right balance of nutrients for your field.
Bottom line
Nano urea is a liquid nitrogen spray meant to support, not fully replace, regular fertiliser. Use it at the right stages and follow local expert advice for the best results.
Source / स्रोत: Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Press Information Bureau
