Urea Hydrolysis and Subsequent Loss of Ammonia

Abstract The biochemical hydrolysis of urea is rapid and can be related to soil microbial activities. The reaction rate of the chemical hydrolysis of urea is very slow and insignificant in comparison with the biochemical hydrolysis. Ureanitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization proceeds rapidly and may immediately follow urea hydrolysis. Urea hydrolysis and ammonia volatilization from ammonium carbonate are first order reactions.