Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) The Plant’s Power Drink

You will notice that UAN has lower ammonia loss than urea and gives a higher relative yield. This means you get more value from each application.

Note: Always store UAN in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Wear gloves and goggles when handling it to protect your skin and eyes. Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated and check containers for leaks.

Chemical Properties of Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN)

Nitrogen Content and Availability

You can count on Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) to deliver a strong dose of nitrogen to your crops. This fertilizer contains a high percentage of nitrogen, which helps plants grow fast and healthy. The total nitrogen content in UAN usually ranges from 28% to 32%. Here is a table that shows the typical nitrogen content in different UAN formulations:

You will find that UAN stands out because it provides nitrogen in three forms: nitrate, ammonium, and amide. About 25% of the nitrogen in UAN is in the nitrate form. Plants can absorb this form quickly, which means you see results sooner. The ammonium and amide forms release nitrogen more slowly, giving your crops a steady supply over time.

When you compare UAN to other fertilizers, you notice some differences:

• UAN is a liquid fertilizer with 28-32% nitrogen.
• ESN is a granular fertilizer with 44% nitrogen.
• UAN’s nitrate form can move through the soil easily, but it may also be lost if the soil gets too wet.

Tip: You should apply UAN when your crops need nitrogen the most. This helps your plants use the fertilizer efficiently and reduces waste.

Stability, pH, and Reactivity

Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) stays stable under normal storage conditions. The solution remains clear and does not settle if you keep it at the right temperature. The pH of UAN usually falls between 6.0 and 7.0, which is close to neutral. This pH level makes it safe for most crops and soils.

You need to know that UAN can react with some other chemicals. If you mix UAN with certain fertilizers or acids, you may see crystals form. This is called precipitation, and it can clog your equipment. Here is a table that shows which substances can cause problems when mixed with UAN:

Note: Always check for compatibility before mixing UAN with other products. This helps you avoid problems with your equipment and ensures your crops get the nutrients they need.

Compatibility with Other Fertilizers

You can mix Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) with some other fertilizers, but you must follow the right steps. Not all fertilizers work well with UAN. Some can cause the solution to become cloudy or form solids. This can block your sprayer or irrigation system.

Here are some important tips for mixing UAN with other fertilizers:

• Always contact the manufacturer and do a jar test before mixing.
• Stir the tank well, especially if it has been sitting for a while.
• If you use ammonium thiosulfate (ATS), add it last and keep it below 10% of the total mix.

Ammonium thiosulfate can cause more mixing problems than UAN. If you add too much ATS, you may see solids form in your tank. This can make it hard to apply the fertilizer evenly.

Alert: Mixing UAN with the wrong products can lead to clogged equipment and wasted fertilizer. Always follow best practices to keep your system running smoothly.

Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) and Plant Nutrition

How Plants Use Each Nitrogen Form

You give your crops a powerful boost when you apply Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN). This fertilizer supplies three types of nitrogen: nitrate, ammonium, and amide. Each form enters the plant in a unique way.

• Nitrate nitrogen moves quickly into roots and supports fast growth.
• Ammonium nitrogen stays in the soil longer and feeds plants over time.
• Amide nitrogen, found in urea, changes into ammonium and then nitrate, providing a steady supply.

Plants use nitrate for immediate energy and leaf development. Ammonium helps build proteins and supports root growth. Amide nitrogen keeps feeding your crops as it transforms in the soil. You see stronger stems and greener leaves when all three forms work together.

Tip: Timing matters. If you apply UAN as a subsurface band or after crop emergence, you help plants use nitrogen more efficiently. Delayed applications can match nitrogen supply with crop demand, leading to better yields.

Advantages for Plant Growth

You notice many benefits when you use Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) in your fields.

• Nitrogen stabilization keeps more nitrogen in the soil, so your crops get what they need.
• Using a stabilizer like TRIBUNE™ lowers nitrate loss and boosts fertilizer efficiency.
• Field trials show corn yields can increase by 16 bushels per acre with treated UAN.
• Foliar UAN applications improve root and shoot growth, even at reduced rates.
• You see better nitrogen use efficiency and improved crop quality, including higher glutenins-to-gliadins ratios in grains.
• UAN helps maintain productivity with less nitrogen input, which is important in tough growing conditions.

For corn, you should apply 30 to 45 pounds of nitrogen at planting and the rest at the V6 to V8 stage. This approach supports high yields and healthy plants.

Note: UAN works well for corn, wheat, and soybeans. You can adjust rates and timing to match your crop’s needs and maximize results.

You give your crops a real boost with Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN). Its balanced nitrogen forms and high concentration support strong, healthy growth. Farmers choose UAN for cost-effectiveness, quick action, and sustainability.

FAQ

What crops can you use UAN on?

You can use UAN for corn, wheat, soybeans, and fruit crops. UAN works well for many field and specialty crops.

Tip: Always check your crop’s nitrogen needs before applying UAN.

How do you store UAN safely?

You should keep UAN in a cool, dry place. Use sealed containers. Wear gloves and goggles when handling. Make sure the area has good ventilation.

Can you mix UAN with other fertilizers?

You can mix UAN with some fertilizers. Always do a jar test first. Avoid mixing with acids or phosphates to prevent clogging.

• Mix slowly and stir well.
• Check for solids before spraying.