Factors affecting urea hydrolysis in several alberta soils

Summary Various parameters affecting the hydrolysis of urea in several Alberta soils were studied. The hydrolysis rate of urea in a Malmo silt loam was found to be linearly dependent on concentration, and the Arrhenius plot for soil urease was found to be linear from 2 to 45°C with an experimental activation energy of 9.8 kcal/mole. The urease activities of several soils were determined and the highest activity was found in the LH horizon of a virgin Orthic Dark Gray Luvisol (Uncas loam).Paper No. T-72-4, Alberta Institute of Pedology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.