| Summary: | Widespread acceptance of urea was delayed in part due to its greater potential for nitrogen (N) loss via ammonia volatilization. Elemental sulfur (S(0)) at rates of 0, 1, 5 and 10 t ha(-1) combined with or without urea and inoculation of Paracoccus versutus (Pv) were tested to determine NH(3)-N volatilization from urea in sandy calcareous soils of Masafi-1 and Masafi-2. Daily NH(3)-N loss was measured up to 29 days after surface urea application in both soils using the closed dynamic airflow system. Total NH(3)-N volatilizations from urea-treated soils were 22.15 to 29.74 of applied N in Masafi -1 and Masafi -2 soils, respectively. Application of S(0) had a positive influence on reducing NH(3)-N volatilization from surface applied urea. In both soils significant reductions in NH(3)-N volatilization were observed in amended soil by S(0). The result reveals that S(0) at rates of 1or 5 t ha(-1) and 5 or 10 t ha(-1) is required to minimize volatile loss of NH(3)-N from surface applied urea in Masafi-1 and Masafi-2 soils, respectively. Application of Pv with or without S(0) and urea had no positive influence on reduction of NH(3)-N volatilization.
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