© 2026 Alchemist Worldwide Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Urea phosphate stands out as an industrial chemical and fertilizer additive. This compound forms through the reaction of urea with phosphoric acid, resulting in a highly water-soluble material often used to deliver both nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural settings. Farmers and industry professionals rely on this solid, colorless material for its straightforward handling, precise nutrient delivery, and broad compatibility with surrounding chemicals and fertilizers. The flexibility of its physical form—powder, granules, crystals, and even sometimes as a liquid concentrate—helps users match the right type with the needs of soil, crop, or industrial process. The chemical formula for urea phosphate is CO(NH2)2•H3PO4, giving it a molecular weight near 158 grams per mole. These numbers carry weight for those blending or purchasing large lots, as even small variances can upset a specific formula or blend.
Urea phosphate appears as crystalline flakes, small pearls, or a white powder. The product holds a distinctive molecular structure, with the urea molecule bonded ionically to phosphoric acid. These bonds influence both its solubility in water and its stability during storage and transport. The material’s density ranges from 1.6 to 1.8 g/cm3 in solid form. Moisture content deeply impacts storage and application; at room temperature, urea phosphate remains stable and not especially hygroscopic, but sudden exposure to high humidity may lead to caking or partial dissolution. These qualities explain why tight packaging and dry warehouse storage matter. Many people in agriculture prefer the fine powdered type for quick solution mixing, while others turn to crystalline or granular forms for ease in mechanical spreading. Liquid solutions, usually around 17% nitrogen and 44% available phosphorus pentoxide, streamline bulk application or fertigation.
Purity carries major importance when selecting urea phosphate. Technical grades often specify purity above 98%, and low levels of heavy metal contaminants. Industry standards spell out typical nitrogen content by weight, 17-18%, along with phosphorus (expressed as P2O5) at about 44%. High solubility—above 1000 grams per liter in water at 25°C—means that solutions can deliver large amounts of nutrients quickly, matching peak feeding periods for crops. The product’s acidity, with a pH near 1.6 for a standard solution, helps prevent scaling in irrigation lines, a benefit in fertigation systems. Knowing particle size distribution becomes practical when running precision dosing or blending with other fertilizers. The hardness and flowability of flakes, powders, or pearls affect mechanical handling in bulk systems.
The HS Code for urea phosphate, used internationally for customs and trade, typically falls under 3105.90.00. This code relates to mineral or chemical fertilizers containing two or three of the fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Shipment under this code supports import-export reporting and tax assessment. Packaging often uses heavy-duty plastic-lined bags, 25-1000 kg in size depending on destination and handling equipment.
Urea phosphate should be considered with the respect given to most concentrated fertilizers or industrial chemicals. The solid and powdered forms can cause mild skin and eye irritation; dust inhalation may irritate airways. Wearing gloves, eye protection, and sometimes a dust mask makes handling smarter and safer. Spills on the floor lead to slippery conditions. Urea phosphate does not ignite easily or contribute to fire risks, but it decomposes above 135°C, releasing ammonia and other irritant fumes. On the hazard scale, it holds a lower rank than many industrial chemicals, but ingestion or contact in large doses requires medical attention. Storage in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions prevents caking and accidental release. Eye-wash stations and water access help in case of exposure. The material dissolves rapidly; thorough rinsing often suffices for minor spills or contact. Disposal procedures favor dilution and neutralization, then controlled dispersal in accordance with environmental guidelines.
The production of urea phosphate starts with two widely available inputs: technical-grade urea and industrial phosphoric acid. Urea, derived largely from ammonia and carbon dioxide, flows into the process from facilities in regions rich in natural gas or coal reserves. Phosphoric acid typically gets sourced from phosphate rock processed in chemical plants, with environmental regulations guiding emissions and waste handling. Much of the world’s supply comes from countries with large natural reserves, including China, the United States, and Morocco. These raw materials are not just important for the cost and price stability of finished urea phosphate—supply chain breakdowns in either component ripple quickly into reduced global output and price spikes. For buyers, knowing partner reliability and market sources counts as much as lab test results. Tracing products to the origin also helps verify sustainable and ethical mining, a growing concern among global producers and buyers.
Urea phosphate’s chief use belongs in agriculture, especially for specialty crops, hydroponics, and drip irrigation. Its acidity helps keep irrigation lines free of calcium and magnesium deposits. Many greenhouse and open-field vegetable growers mix it directly into nutrient solutions for precision feeding. Non-agricultural uses include cleaning agents for industrial equipment and water treatment—its acidity and solubility suit descaling and pH control jobs. In these settings, familiarity with solution concentration and compatibility with other chemicals becomes critical. Small-scale users dissolve flakes or powder in warm water, while large operations use automated dosing tanks. Respect for concentration and handling, flexible form selection, and rapid solubility help urea phosphate stay favored over single-nutrient salts in many intensive farm systems. In my own work with irrigation systems, blending urea phosphate into fertigation tanks minimized scaling and improved nutrient uptake, raising yields while cutting the maintenance hours spent cleaning drip lines and emitters. Lessons from such situations show that product choice affects much more than just nutrient math; true performance connects back to chemistry, hardware, and the fine details of everyday farm routines.
