Urea, the most commonly used nitrogen fertiliser in New Zealand, can be quickly lost from the system via ammonia volatilisation or nitrate leaching following hydrolysis of urea by urease producing soil microorganisms (UPSMs). Hossein Alizadeh investigated UPSMs involved in urea degradation for upcoming research to reduce soil urease activity. 

Image courtesy of interviewee. April 24, 2024