In the pursuit of higher yields, many farmers are applying far more urea than required in their fields. Recent analysis of agricultural data collected from multiple districts reveals that in several cases, farmers are using 50 to 100 percent more urea than the recommended dose.
A widespread belief has taken root among farmers that applying more urea directly leads to higher production. However, agricultural scientists strongly disagree, stating that this practice is not only ineffective but also dangerous.
According to Eldus Janayya, Vice-Chancellor of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTSAU), excessive urea application does not increase crop yield. Instead, it negatively affects crop quality, soil health, and human well-being.
He explained that scientific studies clearly show that while excess nitrogen may promote lush vegetative growth, it results in weak grains, poor produce quality, and reduced nutritional value.
Overuse of urea destroys beneficial microorganisms present in the soil. These microbes play a crucial role in maintaining natural soil fertility. When they decline, the soil gradually becomes hard, less fertile, and biologically inactive.
Long-term excessive application also reduces the soil’s water-holding capacity, making irrigation less effective. As a result, farmers are forced to irrigate more frequently, leading to higher input costs.
Crops grown with excessive nitrogen develop weaker natural resistance to pests and diseases. Such crops are more vulnerable to insect attacks and fungal infections.
Consequently, farmers are compelled to spend more on pesticides and fungicides, which increases overall cultivation costs and reduces net profits.
Agricultural experts warn that surplus urea use can leave chemical residues in grains, vegetables, and fruits. These residues enter the human body through food consumption and may pose serious long-term health risks.
Additionally, excess nitrogen leaches into groundwater, increasing nitrate contamination, which contributes to water pollution and threatens drinking water safety.
Urea is widely used mainly because of its low cost and easy availability, but its unbalanced application is harmful to farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.
Experts emphasize that when fertilizers such as urea, phosphorus, and potash are applied in the right proportion—based on soil testing and scientific recommendations—the benefits are substantial:
Applying more urea is not a shortcut to higher production. Instead, it gradually pushes agriculture toward declining soil health, rising costs, and long-term losses.
The smart approach is to use fertilizers in the right quantity, at the right time, and with the right balance, ensuring farming remains sustainable, profitable, and safe for future generations.
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