One of the frequently recommended home remedies for annoying weeds is urea. In this article we look at the effect on plants and the question of whether the weed killer is allowed in the home garden.
Can urea be used to kill weeds?
Urea is used as a nitrogen fertilizer in the garden, but is not recommended for targeted weed destruction, as the correct mixing ratio is crucial and weeds can adapt to the fertilizer conditions. Mechanical removal or boiling water are better alternatives.
What is urea?
Urea is a white, water-soluble substance. It is an excretory product that is produced during protein metabolism in vertebrates. Urea consists of almost 50 percent nitrogen, a value that even high-dose artificial fertilizers cannot achieve.
Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen fertilizer worldwide. You can purchase the product from specialist retailers under the name fertilizer urea or urea.
Why is nitrogen fertilized and does it work against weeds?
Nitrogen is called the “engine of growth” because it has a strong influence on it, provided the necessary nutrients are available in sufficient quantities. Lawns that are well supplied with nitrogen become dark green and dense, grow quickly and produce more leaves.
Urea can therefore be used indirectly to suppress weeds, as other plants thrive better.
What side effects are there?
In the home garden, however, the disadvantages of this fertilizer outweigh the disadvantages:
- Urea has an acidifying effect on the soil.
- Pure urea fertilizer contains no nutrients such as potassium, phosphate or lime. These must be substituted with other fertilizers.
- This makes targeted fertilization quite complicated for the layperson.
Is urea suitable for killing weeds?
Since urea is a fertilizer, the desired effect can be reversed. Instead of strengthening the plants and suppressing weeds, the weeds that quickly adapt to the conditions thrive.
Due to the difficulty of finding the right mixing ratio, you should leave urea fertilization to the professionals. This is also the reason why this fertilizer is mainly used in commercial cultivation.
Then how do I get rid of my weeds?
- Mechanical weed removal (weeding) is the most environmentally friendly method.
- You should also stay away from household remedies such as s alt when removing weeds, as their use is prohibited by law.
- A tried and tested remedy that works very well is boiling water against weeds.
- A protective layer of mulch is suitable to prevent weeds from sprouting.
Tip
Allocate weeds a permanent place in the garden and let them grow there undisturbed. Many weeds are important for ecological balance, valuable bee food and offer butterfly caterpillars a protected place for pupation.
