Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) – The Liquid Nitrogen Powerhouse for Modern Farming
Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) – The Liquid Nitrogen Powerhouse for Modern Farming
Introduction: The Versatile Force Behind Precision Nitrogen
Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) is a liquid fertilizer that combines two highly efficient nitrogen sources—urea and ammonium nitrate—into a single, stable solution. As one of the most flexible and widely used nitrogen fertilizers in North America and increasingly in other markets, UAN offers rapid uptake, compatibility with modern equipment, and adaptability for precision agriculture systems.
Whether you’re managing broad-acre cereals or intensive vegetable systems, UAN delivers consistent, uniform, and efficient nitrogen nutrition that drives yield and reduces losses.
Source: International Fertilizer Association – Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency
What Is UAN and Why Is It Effective?
UAN is typically available in 28%, 30%, or 32% nitrogen concentrations. It is made by dissolving urea and ammonium nitrate in water, resulting in a clear, homogeneous liquid. The nitrogen in UAN exists in three forms:
- Urea (CO(NH₂)₂): ~50% of total N – must be converted to ammonium before uptake
- Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ~25% of total N – available after microbial conversion
- Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ~25% of total N – immediately available for plant uptake
This balanced N profile allows for immediate and extended nitrogen supply, making UAN suitable for starter, side-dress, or foliar applications.
Benefits of UAN Fertilizer
| Benefit | Agronomic Impact |
|---|---|
| High nitrogen concentration | Allows efficient transport and application |
| Homogeneous liquid form | Ensures even distribution in fertigation or sprays |
| Multi-form nitrogen | Combines fast and sustained nutrient release |
| Application flexibility | Suitable for soil, foliar, side-dress, and fertigation |
| Compatibility | Can be mixed with crop protection chemicals |
| Precision-ready | Easily integrated into GPS and VRA systems |
UAN is especially valuable in conservation tillage systems, where it can be banded with minimal soil disturbance.
Ideal Crops and Application Systems
UAN is commonly used across:
- Cereals: Maize, wheat, barley
- Oilseeds: Sunflower, canola
- Vegetables: Onion, potato, tomato
- Forages: Alfalfa, grass silage
Application methods include:
- Dribble bars for row crops
- Broadcast via sprinkler or pivot
- Side-dress injection in strip-till
- Foliar application (diluted)
Note: Avoid UAN contact with tender leaves or stems at high concentrations, especially in hot weather.
UAN vs Solid Nitrogen Fertilizers
| Feature | UAN | Urea/Ammonium Nitrate (Solid) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Liquid | Granular or prilled |
| Application | BillInjection, spray, fertigation | Broadcast or banded |
| Volatility | Medium | High for urea; lower for AN |
| Rain dependency | Lower | Higher for activation and incorporation |
| Equipment | Needs liquid handling systems | Requires spreaders or drills |
Environmental Considerations and Best Practices
UAN contains urea, which can volatilize as ammonia. To minimize nitrogen losses:
- Inject or incorporate UAN into the soil
- Use urease inhibitors (e.g., NBPT) when applying to the surface.
- Avoid foliar spraying during high heat or low humidity.
- Apply in split doses during the crop nitrogen demand peak.s
Green Gubre Group’s UAN-Based Solutions
At Green Gubre Group, we provide tailored UAN products and technical support, including:
- UAN 28/30/32% – High-quality, low-impurity formulations
- UAN + Inhibitor Blends – With NBPT for improved nitrogen use efficiency
- Custom Liquid NPK + UAN Mixes – Designed for fertigation or drip systems
- UAN Transport & Storage Solutions – Bulk delivery and tank systems
Our specialists assist clients with dose optimization, environmental safeguards, and application timing for maximum yield impact.
Conclusion: Power Your Fields with Precision
In the race to maximize yield, reduce waste, and embrace precision, UAN fertilizer stands as a liquid powerhouse of nitrogen delivery. Flexible, efficient, and adaptable, it supports high-performance farming across climates and crops. With the right tools and practices, UAN helps farmers achieve more—from every liter applied.
