Neem-coated Urea in agriculture

Neem-coated urea is promoted by the Government of India because the neem coating acts as a slow-release mechanism, reducing the rate at which urea dissolves and becomes available in the soil. This controlled release offers several benefits: it reduces nitrogen loss through volatilization and leaching, improves nitrogen use efficiency by plants, requires lower quantities of urea for the same effect, and reduces environmental pollution. Option (a) is incorrect as neem coating does not primarily increase nitrogen fixation. Option (c) is incorrect because neem-coated urea does not completely eliminate nitrous oxide emissions—it only reduces them through better nitrogen efficiency. Option (d) is incorrect as neem-coated urea is not a combination of weedicide and fertilizer. > Key insight: Neem coating = slow-release mechanism = better nitrogen use efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Answer: (b).