Big News from Ireland in Agriculture — and a Sign of Things to Come Globally?
The Irish Department of Agriculture has just confirmed that farmers can continue to use unprotected (normal) urea when it is applied in liquid foliar form.
From 15 September 2025, unprotected urea will be completely banned for those applying it as a solid, forcing the use of protected granular urea. But importantly, this ban does not apply to liquid foliar applications, meaning farmers equipped with the right tools can continue to benefit from unprotected urea.
Why Is This So Significant?
Cost Saving #1: Farmers can avoid the added cost of “protected” (urease-inhibitor coated) urea.
Cost Saving #2: Foliar urea is more efficient. Research and experience from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and beyond show farmers can achieve the same — or even greater — pasture growth with 30–50% less nitrogen applied.
That’s a double win: a lower nitrogen cost per unit and a more efficient uptake requiring less to be used.
Recognition of the Science
This allowance for unprotected urea in foliar form isn’t just about saving farmers money. It’s an important recognition of the science behind foliar nitrogen application.
For over 15 years, Tow and Fert systems have been helping farmers apply dissolved urea as a liquid spray, achieving:
- Reduced nitrogen losses
- More efficient plant uptake
- Environmental benefits alongside profitability gains
It’s encouraging to see this science now reflected in agricultural policy.
What It Means for Farmers
With the right tools, like a Tow and Fert, which dissolves and applies unprotected urea as a liquid spray, farmers can take full advantage of this change.
- A win for farmers
- A win for profitability
- A win for the environment
Department of Agriculture Reference
As noted in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Technical Notice (28 February 2025):
“Unprotected urea (i.e. urea not coated with a urease inhibitor) in solid form will no longer be permitted to be spread on land after 14 September 2025. This restriction applies to all urea nitrogen (N) products with ureic N content of 1% or above, including those products blended with secondary macronutrients (e.g. sulphur) and/or micronutrients (e.g. selenium). However, the restriction does not apply to blends or compounds containing unprotected urea and phosphorus. Furthermore, unprotected urea can still be used in liquid form as a fertiliser.”
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