What is the main reason for incorporating urea fertilizers immediately after application?

Incorporating urea fertilizers immediately after application is primarily aimed at minimizing nitrogen loss through volatilization. Urea is a solid nitrogen fertilizer that can convert to ammonia gas under certain conditions, especially when exposed to air. When urea is left on the soil surface, this process can occur more readily, leading to a significant loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere, which can reduce the effectiveness of the fertilization effort and negatively affect crop nutrient availability.

By incorporating urea into the soil shortly after application, the contact between urea and soil microbes is increased, facilitating the conversion of urea to ammonium forms that are more stable and less prone to volatilization losses. This practice helps ensure that the nitrogen remains available to plants for uptake, ultimately supporting better crop growth and yield.

While other factors such as preventing leaching or enhancing soil structure are important considerations in nutrient management, they are not the primary reason for immediate incorporation of urea. The focus on volatilization loss provides a clear justification for this specific practice.