Urea N46 is fertilizer-grade urea with 46% nitrogen. “N” stands for nitrogen and “46” for its 46% content, so its NPK grade is 46-0-0. Traders also call it urea 46, 46-0-0 or nitrogen 46. It has the highest nitrogen content of any solid fertilizer, which makes it the cheapest way to ship and store nitrogen.
Agromer trades urea N46 with major producers on spot and contract terms, for importers, distributors and large buyers.
What does N46 mean?
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N | Nitrogen |
| 46 | 46% nitrogen by weight |
| 46-0-0 | 46% N, 0% phosphorus (P2O5), 0% potassium (K2O) |
Urea is made from ammonia and carbon dioxide, with natural gas as the main raw material. It is white, odourless and dissolves easily in water. See how urea is made.
Typical urea N46 specification
| Parameter | Granular | Prilled |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 46% minimum | 46% minimum |
| Biuret | 1.0% maximum | 1.0% maximum |
| Moisture | 0.5% maximum | 0.5% maximum |
| Particle size | 2 to 4 mm, 90% minimum | 1 to 2.8 mm, 90% minimum |
| Appearance | White, free-flowing | White, free-flowing |
Granular vs prilled urea N46
Both contain 46% nitrogen and do the same job in the soil. The difference is the particle:
- Granular urea has larger, harder particles. It handles bulk shipping better, makes less dust, spreads further from a mechanical spreader and blends well with DAP and MOP. Most international trade is granular.
- Prilled urea has smaller, softer beads. It dissolves quickly and is common in some local markets and for dissolving in water.
Neither releases nitrogen slowly on its own. Slow-release urea is a separate, coated product. For more, see liquid vs granular urea.
What is urea N46 used for?
Urea N46 is used on almost every crop that needs nitrogen, especially:
- Rice, wheat and maize
- Sugarcane and cotton
- Vegetables, fruit and pasture
It is also used as a raw material in NPK blends. Other grades of urea are used in industry, such as technical grade urea for resins and urea for AdBlue. See also what urea is used for.
Urea N46 price in 2026
Urea is a world-traded commodity, so its price moves with natural gas costs, export policies in major producing countries, and demand ahead of planting seasons. The World Bank tracks granular urea, FOB Middle East:
| Period | Price, $ per tonne |
|---|---|
| 2024 average | 338.30 |
| 2025 average | 422.70 |
| January to March 2026 | 537.70 |
| April to June 2026 | 693.50 |
| July to September 2026 | 399.20 |
| September 2026 | 407.50 |
In India, farmers pay a fixed subsidised price of ₹242 per 45 kg bag, excluding neem coating charges and taxes. For more detail, see what urea costs today.
How to use urea N46 well
- Apply it when the crop is growing and needs nitrogen, usually in two or three split doses.
- Water it in, or apply before light rain, so it does not lose nitrogen as ammonia.
- Keep it away from direct contact with seed.
For rates and timing, read how to use urea as fertilizer.
Urea N46 vs NPK
Urea supplies only nitrogen. NPK fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium together. Many farmers use an NPK at sowing and urea as a top dressing later. See NPK fertilizer.
Buying urea N46 in bulk
We work with an end-buyer LOI and payment by 100% DLC or SBLC, with SGS inspection at loading. To get an accurate offer, send us:
- Granular or prilled
- Quantity per shipment and contract length
- Packaging: bulk, big bags or 50 kg bags
- Destination port and delivery terms, such as FOB, CFR or CIF
See our main urea fertilizer page and the list of top urea manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is urea N46?
It is fertilizer-grade urea containing 46% nitrogen, with the NPK grade 46-0-0. It is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in the world.
What is the price of urea N46 per ton?
The World Bank benchmark for urea, FOB Middle East, was $407.50 per tonne in September 2026. Your delivered price depends on freight, packaging, quantity and destination.
Is granular urea better than prilled urea?
Both contain 46% nitrogen. Granular urea is harder, less dusty and spreads more evenly with machines, so it dominates international trade. Prilled urea dissolves faster.
What is the difference between urea N46 and technical grade urea?
Urea N46 is made for fertilizer use. Technical grade urea has tighter limits on impurities such as biuret and is used in resins, chemicals and AdBlue.
How long does urea stay in the soil?
In moist, warm soil, urea usually converts to ammonium within a few days, and then to nitrate. The nitrogen then stays available to the crop for several weeks, depending on rain and temperature.
How many times should urea be applied?
Usually in two or three split doses during the season, matched to the crop’s growth stages.
Where urea comes from: urea suppliers and exporters by country and urea prices by country.