Comparative studies on the mineralization of furfural urea and urea fertilizers in an alfisol in Samaru Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this research, laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of furfural urea as a slow release N fertilizer in an alfisol of Nigeria  Savanna in the year 2009/2010 season. Incubation studies revealed that released N through mineralizatoin and microbial activities had confirmed that the compound may stay longer in the soil than urea. The method used for the research is completely randomised design with three  repetitions, which consists four nitrogen levels each of urea and furfural urea and an absolute control. Attention is being directed towards slow  release compounds. The controlled or slow availability supplies N continuously over an extended period , thus, avoiding the need for repeated application of conventional water soluble fertilizers. The mineralization of both fertilizers differ, the first, and the third to the fourth week should be synchronized with demand in further studies.

Key words: Alfisol, Incubation study, furfural urea, Mineralization