Which type of nitrogen comes from urea and is known for its slow release?

The type of nitrogen that comes from urea and is recognized for its slow release properties is methylene ureas. Methylene ureas are formed through the polymerization of urea and typically release nitrogen more gradually compared to other forms of nitrogen. This slow-release attribute makes them particularly valuable in agricultural settings where sustained nutrient availability is desired. They help reduce the risk of nitrogen leaching and improve the efficiency of fertilization practices.

In contrast, slow release urea – while it does have a slow release nature – typically refers to urea formulations that have been treated to slow down nitrogen release, whereas methylene ureas inherently possess this characteristic through their chemical structure. Coated nitrogen refers to nitrogen fertilizers that have a physical coating to extend the nutrient release, also serving a similar purpose of slow release but not specifically originating from urea. Instant nitrogen provides a quick availability of nutrients but lacks the slow release characteristic crucial for long-term nutrient management.