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Urea is a better fertilizer than ammoniu...

Urea is a better fertilizer than ammonium sulphate because `:`

A

It has greater percentage of nitrogen

B

It is more soluble

C

It is weak basic

D

It does not produce acidity in soil

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
To determine why urea is a better fertilizer than ammonium sulfate, we can analyze the key components and characteristics of both fertilizers step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Composition of Urea and Ammonium Sulfate**: - Urea has the chemical formula NH2CONH2. - Ammonium sulfate has the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4. 2. **Nitrogen Content**: - Urea contains approximately 46% nitrogen by weight. - Ammonium sulfate contains about 21% nitrogen by weight. - Since nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, the higher nitrogen content in urea makes it a more effective fertilizer. 3. **Solubility in Water**: - Both urea and ammonium sulfate are soluble in water, which allows them to be easily absorbed by plants. 4. **Effect on Soil pH**: - Urea has a pH range of about 3 to 5, making it neutral to slightly acidic. - Ammonium sulfate can also affect soil pH, but it tends to make the soil more acidic. - A neutral pH (around 6 to 7) is ideal for most plants, and urea does not significantly alter the soil's acidity, promoting better plant growth. 5. **Conclusion**: - The primary reason urea is considered a better fertilizer than ammonium sulfate is its higher nitrogen content (46% vs. 21%). This provides more essential nutrients for plant growth. - Additionally, urea's neutral effect on soil pH helps maintain optimal conditions for plant development. ### Final Answer: Urea is a better fertilizer than ammonium sulfate because it contains a higher percentage of nitrogen (46% compared to 21% in ammonium sulfate), which is essential for plant growth. Furthermore, urea does not significantly increase soil acidity, making it more suitable for maintaining healthy soil conditions.
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Knowledge Check

  • When equal weights of the two fertilizers, urea and ammonium sulphate are taken, urea contains

    A
    Less nitrogen than ammonium sulphate
    B
    As much nitrogen as ammonium sulphate
    C
    Twice the amount of nitrogen present in ammonium sulphate
    D
    More than twice the amount of nitrogen present in ammonium sulphate
  • Atomicity of ammonium sulphate molecule is

    A
    4
    B
    10
    C
    12
    D
    15
  • The acidity of soil, which is due to excessive use of fertilizer ammonium sulphate can be neutralized by adding

    A
    lime
    B
    caustic soda
    C
    washing soda
    D
    none of these
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