Question:medium

Give the chemical formula for Urea and explain its role as a nitrogenous fertilizer.

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Urea should be mixed well with soil after application to prevent nitrogen loss due to ammonia volatilization.
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Solution and Explanation

Chemical Formula of Urea:
The chemical formula of urea is CO(NH₂)₂.

Role of Urea as a Nitrogenous Fertilizer:

Urea is one of the most widely used nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture because it contains a high percentage of nitrogen (about 46%). Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required for the healthy growth of plants.

When urea is applied to the soil, it is converted by soil bacteria into ammonia and then into nitrates. These nitrogen compounds are easily absorbed by plant roots. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the formation of proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and nucleic acids in plants.

Adequate nitrogen supply promotes rapid vegetative growth, green leafy development, and increased crop yield. It helps in improving the overall quality and productivity of crops.

Thus, due to its high nitrogen content and easy availability to plants, urea is an important and effective nitrogenous fertilizer used in modern agriculture.
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