Potential for Ammonia Volatilization from Urea in Dryland Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Production Systems

Urea replaced ammonium nitrate (AN) as a nitrogen (N) source for dryland Kentucky bluegrass seed production in the inland Pacific Northwest in the United States. This study assessed ammonia (NH3) volatilization, N recovery, and seed yield from urea as compared to AN. Laboratory incubations indicate NH3 volatilization is greater from soil covered by fresh residue than soil alone or covered by burned residue. Although pH of the fresh and burned residues exceeded 8.0, urease activity in burned residue was <15% of that in unburned residue or soil. Ammonia volatilization from dry urea and fluid urea AN was greater than AN at burned and unburned sites after a 5 October application. Ammonia volatilization was higher and N recovery and seed yield were lower for urea after a 15 November application at an unburned site. To reduce NH3 volatilization, apply urea to fields with low urease activity or moisture content and/or immediately before a significant rain event.