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1573871 
Journal Article 
Polyolefin-Coated Urea Decreases Ammonia Volatilization in a Double Rice System of Southern China 
Xu, M; Li, D; Li, J; Qin, D; Hosen, Y; Shen, H; Cong, R; He, X 
2013 
Yes 
Agronomy Journal
ISSN: 0002-1962
EISSN: 1435-0645 
105 
1 
277-284 
WOS:000314747400031 
Field evaluations of slow-release N fertilizers are needed
to improve N use efficiency while reducing NH3 volatilization. Ammonia volatilization losses,
floodwater NH4+, and aboveground rice (Oryza sativa L.) tissue N accumulation were compared
between non-coated urea (NCU) and polyolefin-coated urea (POCU) applications in a double-rice
production system of subtropical China. A factorial treatment design included two urea sources
such as POCU and NCU applied at 75 and 150 kg N ha(-1), and a no-N control. For early and late
rice seasons, floodwater NH4+ and pH increased significantly within 7 to 10 d after NCU
applications and then decreased rapidly. Nitrogen losses through NH3 volatilization accounted for
16 to 30% and 4 to 8% of the total N applied for NCU and POCU, respectively. Applications of POCU
significantly increased N accumulation in aboveground rice biomass due to a slower N release and
better synchrony between in-season rice N demand and N supply from this fertilizer. Applications
of POCU at a rate of 75 kg N ha(-1) provided the optimal amounts of N for early and late rice
crops and reduced NH3 volatilization losses. The use of slow release urea fertilizers should
increase N use efficiency and maintain the high grain yield in the double rice production systems
of subtropical China.