What is the Difference Between Prilled and Granular Urea?

Prilled and granular urea are two types of solid nitrogen fertilizers used in agriculture. They differ in their physical properties, dissolution rate, and ease of handling. Key differences between prilled and granular urea include:

1. Dissolution Rate: Prilled urea dissolves more quickly in water than granular urea due to its small size and high dimensional consistency.
2. Particle Size and Shape: Prilled urea has a smaller and more consistent particle size than granular urea. Granular urea has larger particles and an uneven shape, making it stronger and less likely to break.
3. Handling and Storage: Granular urea is easier to handle and store compared to prilled urea, which is difficult to handle and store due to its hygroscopic nature.
4. Nitrogen Release: Granular urea releases nitrogen more slowly than prilled urea.
5. Applications: Prilled urea is used in direct application to soil or through irrigation systems as a nitrogen fertilizer, and it can also be used in NOx control systems for nitrogen oxide control in diesel engines, as a nitrogen component in the production of liquid or suspension fertilizers, and in snow melting on runways. Granular urea is usually applied directly to the soil or mixed with other fertilizers like phosphate and potash.

In summary, prilled urea dissolves more quickly in water but is more difficult to handle and store, while granular urea is easier to handle and store but takes longer to dissolve in water.

Comparative Table: Prilled vs Granular Urea

The key difference between prilled and granular urea lies in their solubility and absorption rate. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

Both prilled and granular urea are solid nitrogen fertilizers, but due to their differences in solubility and absorption rate, they may have different effects on crops. For example, a study comparing the use of prilled and granular urea in rice farming found that granular urea resulted in higher yields due to its slow-release properties, providing a steady supply of nitrogen to the crops.