Question map
Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect because Urea is a nitrogenous fertilizer, not a phosphorus-containing one. Its chemical formula is CO(NH2)2, and it contains approximately 46% nitrogen [4]. Phosphorus is typically provided by fertilizers like Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) or Rock Phosphate [3]. Statement 2 is correct as fertilizers provide essential nutrients like N, P, and K to increase soil fertility and agricultural yields [1]. Statement 3 is correct; the commercial synthesis of urea (Bazarov reaction) involves reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature to form ammonium carbamate, which is then dehydrated into urea. Statement 4 is correct as urea has one of the highest nitrogen contents (46%) among solid fertilizers, making it a 'nitrogen powerhouse' [4]. While anhydrous ammonia has a higher nitrogen percentage (82%), urea contains more nitrogen than most other commonly used solid fertilizers like ammonium sulfate (21%) [3].
Sources
- [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40351-5
- [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 9: Subsidies > 9.4 Fertilizer Subsidies > p. 287
- [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Fertilizers > p. 363