MCQ Detailed View

Urea (CO(NH₂)₂) is one of the most widely used nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, as it is a major component of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, which are vital for plant growth and development.

The molecular formula of urea is CO(NH₂)₂. Each molecule contains two nitrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom. The total nitrogen content can be calculated from the molecular weight: the molar mass of urea is approximately 60 g/mol, and nitrogen contributes 28 g (14 g per nitrogen atom × 2). Therefore, the percentage of nitrogen in urea is (28 ÷ 60) × 100 ≈ 46%.

This high nitrogen content makes urea an efficient fertilizer, as smaller quantities can supply sufficient nitrogen to crops compared to other fertilizers. Urea is highly soluble in water, which allows it to be easily absorbed by plant roots. It is widely used for crops like wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables.

Other nitrogenous fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) or ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), contain lower nitrogen percentages compared to urea, which is why urea is preferred for intensive agriculture.

Urea can also be applied in combination with other nutrients or coated forms to reduce nitrogen loss due to volatilization or leaching. This ensures better nitrogen efficiency and supports sustainable farming practices.

In summary, urea contains 46% nitrogen, making it a highly concentrated and effective source of nitrogen for plants. Its chemical properties, solubility, and high nitrogen content contribute to its widespread use in modern agriculture.