Summary
This critical review examines conventional urea-based nitrogen fertilisers and emerging urea cocrystal materials designed to improve nitrogen-use efficiency and reduce environmental losses. The authors emphasise that future stabilisation strategies should employ partial bonding between constituents beyond weak molecular interactions, whilst avoiding unsustainable feedstocks such as formaldehyde and soil-biota-affecting additives like urease inhibitors. The paper positions materials development as essential to reducing the energy footprint of ammonia production—a precursor to urea—and delivering truly sustainable nitrogenous fertiliser technologies.
Regional applicability
This review is globally applicable and relevant to United Kingdom agricultural policy and practice. The UK's environmental regulations on nitrogen losses, soil health standards, and net-zero commitments make research into stabilised fertilisers of direct relevance; however, the paper is a materials science review rather than a UK-specific field trial, so implementation would depend on domestic adoption pathways and regulatory approval.
Key measures
Solubility and environmental stability of urea and urea cocrystals; nitrogen-use efficiency; energy requirements for ammonia synthesis; material chemistry properties
Outcomes reported
This review critically evaluated current and emerging methods to stabilise urea fertilisers, with particular emphasis on the material chemistry of urea cocrystals that offer reduced solubility and enhanced environmental stability. The analysis identifies developmental priorities for next-generation nitrogen fertiliser products that minimise energy footprint and environmental impact.
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