USE OF A CATION SOURCE TO PREVENT DECOMPOSITION OF (THIO)PHOSPHORIC ACID TRIAMIDE UREASE INHIBITORS WHEN A PHOSPHORUS-CONTAINING FERTILIZER IS PRESENT

Abstract

A cation source to prevent decomposition of a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide is disclosed. A method for preventing decomposition of a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide by adding a cation source is disclosed. A mixture comprising a cation source and a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide is disclosed. A granule coated with a cation source and comprising a fertilizer is disclosed. A composition obtainable by specific processes and comprising a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide, a fertilizer mixture, and a cation source is disclosed.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A method for preventing decomposition of a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide according to general formula (I) ##STR00022## wherein X.sup.1 is O or S; R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1O.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1O.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-04-alkyl; in a composition A comprising: (i) the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide; and (ii) a fertilizer mixture comprising a urea-containing fertilizer and an additional P-containing fertilizer; by adding a cation source comprising a cation C.sup.m+ to the composition A, wherein C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl.

3. A mixture M comprising: (i) a cation source comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl; and (ii) a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide according to general formula (I) ##STR00023## wherein X.sup.1 is O or S; R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1O.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

4. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the mixture further comprises: (iii) a fertilizer mixture comprising a urea-containing fertilizer and an additional P-containing fertilizer.

5. A granule G comprising a urea-containing fertilizer and/or a P-containing fertilizer, wherein the granule is coated with a cation source comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl.

6. The granule G according to claim 5, wherein the granule is further treated with a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide according to general formula (I) ##STR00024## wherein X.sup.1 is O or S; R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

7. A composition B comprising: (i) a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide according to general formula (I) ##STR00025## wherein X.sup.1 is O or S; R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; (ii) a fertilizer mixture comprising a urea-containing fertilizer and an additional P-containing fertilizer selected from the group consisting of a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, and a P fertilizer; and (iii) a cation source comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl; wherein the composition B is obtainable by a process comprising the steps of: (a1) treating granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide with the cation source; (b1) blending the treated granules of step (a1) with granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a2) treating granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer with the cation source; (b2) blending the treated granules of step (a2) with granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a3) blending granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide with granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer; and (b3) treating the blend of step (a3) with the cation source; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a4) treating granules comprising the fertilizer mixture with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide; and (b4) treating the treated granules of step (a4) with the cation source; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a5) treating granules comprising the fertilizer mixture with the cation source; and (b5) treating the treated granules of step (a5) with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a6) providing granules comprising the fertilizer mixture; and (b6) treating the granules of step (a6) with asolid or liquidmixture comprising the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide and the cation source; or by a process comprising the steps of: (a7) providing granules comprising the fertilizer mixture and the cation source; and (b7) treating the granules of step (a7) with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide.

8. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the cation source is a salt, which comprises a cation C.sup.m+, wherein C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, or Ba.sup.2+.

9. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the cation source is a salt, which further comprises an anion A.sup.n?, wherein A.sup.n? is F.sup.?, Cl.sup.?, Br.sup.?, I.sup.?, SO.sub.4.sup.2?, NO.sub.3.sup.?, or CH.sub.3CO.sub.2.sup.?.

10. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the cation source is a salt, which has a solubility of at least 33 g/L in water at a temperature of from 15? C. to 25? C.

11. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the cation source is a salt, which is selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3, Fe(SO.sub.4), Fe.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3, ZnSO.sub.4, CuSO.sub.4, CaSO.sub.4, AlCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3, ZnCl.sub.2, CuCl.sub.2, Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2, CaCl.sub.2, and MgSO.sub.4.

12. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide is N-n-butylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT), N-n-propylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT), or a combination thereof.

13. The mixture M according to claim 4, wherein the P-containing fertilizer causes a decomposition of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide of at least 10 wt.-% based on the total amount of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide within 15 days at a temperature of from 20? C. to 25? C., if no cation source is present.

14. The granule G according to claim 5, wherein the urea-containing fertilizer is urea and/or the P-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium phosphate, super phosphate, double super phosphate, triple super phosphate (TSP), phosphate rock, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and combinations thereof.

15. The mixture M according to claim 3, wherein the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide is provided in combination with at least one amine.

16. The method according to claim 2, wherein the additional P-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of an NPK fertilizer, an NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, and a P fertilizer.

17. The mixture M according to claim 4, wherein the additional P-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of an NPK fertilizer, an NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, and a P fertilizer.

18. The mixture M according to claim 4, wherein the urea-containing fertilizer is urea and/or the P-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium phosphate, super phosphate, double super phosphate, triple super phosphate (TSP), phosphate rock, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and combinations thereof.

19. The granule G according to claim 5, wherein the additional P-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of an NPK fertilizer, an NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, and a P fertilizer.

20. The granule G according to claim 6, wherein the P-containing fertilizer causes a decomposition of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide of at least 10 wt.-% based on the total amount of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide within 15 days at a temperature of from 20? C. to 25? C., if no cation source is present.

21. The mixture M according to claim 11, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of CaCl.sub.2), and MgSO4.

Description

EXAMPLES

[0573] Materials:

[0574] Urease Inhibitors:

[0575] Urease inhibitor U1 was obtained from BASF SE. Composition: [0576] 18.75 wt.-% N-butylphosphorothioic triamide (NBPT, CAS-no.: 94317-64-3) [0577] 6.25 wt.-% N-propylphosphorothioic triamide (NPPT, CAS-no.: 916809-14-8) [0578] 15-25 wt.-% stabilizer [0579] 30-40 wt.-% benzyl alcohol (CAS-no.: 100-51-6) [0580] 10-20 wt.-% Agnique AMD 3 L (CAS-no.: 35123-06-9) [0581] 0.5-2 wt.-% colorant [0582] 0.5-2 wt.-% odorant

[0583] Fertilizers:

[0584] Urea (Piagran 46) was obtained from SKW Piesteritz.

[0585] Any one of the following fertilizers was used as additional P-containing fertilizer: Diammonium phosphate (DAP)

[0586] Triple super phosphate (TSP)

[0587] 16-8-22 fertilizer

[0588] Cation source:

[0589] Any one of the following salts was used as cation source:

[0590] Magnesium sulfate anhydrous (MgSO.sub.4)

[0591] Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO.sub.4?7H.sub.2O)

[0592] Calcium chloride anhydrous (CaCl.sub.2)

[0593] Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO.sub.4?2H.sub.2O)

[0594] Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2)

[0595] Copper sulfate (CuSO.sub.4)

[0596] Iron sulfate (FeSO.sub.4)

[0597] Zinc sulfate (ZnSO.sub.4)

[0598] Zinc chloride (ZnCl.sub.2)

[0599] Aluminium sulfate (Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3)

[0600] General Experimental Details:

[0601] For the preparation of urea treated with U1, 3 kg of urea fertilizer granules were added to an ERWEKA mixer (dimensions mix drum: 50 cm diameter, 20 cm high). The mixer is turned on (27 RPM) and U1 formulation is sprayed on the urea using a syringe. Afterwards, the fertilizer/U1 mixture is mixed for 3 minutes

[0602] For the Dr?ger test, 150 g Limburgerhof (Germany) soil is added to a 500 mL wide-mouth jar (9 cm diameter). Fertilizer granules are added and distributed evenly over the soil. The amount of fertilizer added corresponds to 115 mg of urea-N. The soil and fertilizer are then wetted with a fine spray of water (1 mL). Afterwards, the jar is closed with a lid. In the middle of the lid a hole is made in which an ammonia gas test tube (Dr?ger, Ammoniak 20/a-D 8101301, Diffusionsr?hrchen) is placed. The urease, naturally present in the soil, hydrolyses urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. The concentration of ammonia gas is read out once a day from the scale on the Dr?ger diffusion tube. All tests are performed in duplicate.

[0603] Active ingredient content on urea was analyzed by HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatography) using method DIN EN 16651. In case of bulk blends, the urea granules were separated from the other fertilizers before dissolving in water for HPLC analysis.

[0604] For the preparation of dry blend fertilizer mixtures, 10 g of urea treated with a urease inhibitor and 10 g of the other fertilizer are added to a small jar. After closing the jar, the fertilizers are mixed by vigorously shaking the jar. The closed jar is then stored at room temperature in a dark place. At the end of the storage time, urea granules are removed and tested using the Dr?ger test.

Example 1 (Comparative Example)

[0605] Urea granules treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient were mixed with TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) fertilizer granules. After mixing, the samples were stored in closed containers at room temperature. After 1 day of storage, the urea granules were separated from the TSP granules and the active ingredient (a.i.) concentration on the urea was analyzed by HPLC. Table 1 shows that when U1 treated urea granules are mixed with TSP granules, 50-90% of the a.i.

[0606] degrades within a day, depending on the amount of TSP in the mixture.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 1 A.i. analysis after separating urea from TSP mixtures U1 a.i. (wt.-%) Remaining a.i. (%) Urea 0.037 100 Urea/TSP 2:1 0.017 45.9 Urea/TSP 1:1 0.005 13.5 Urea/TSP 1:2 0.003 8.1

Example 2 (Comparative Example)

[0607] Urea treated with U1 (0.04 wt.-% active on urea) was mixed with different phosphate fertilizers in a 1:1 wt.-% ratio. These mixtures were stored in closed containers at room temperature for 8 days. Afterwards, the urea granules were separated out and tested in the Dr?ger test. The following samples were tested: [0608] Sample 1: Urea [0609] Sample 2: Urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient [0610] Sample 3: Urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, then mixed with TSP in a 50:50 wt.-% ratio [0611] Sample 4: Urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, then mixed with DAP in a 50:50 wt.-% ratio

[0612] Each experiment was performed twice (samples a and b). As can be seen in Table 2a, a concentration of 600 ppm NH.sub.3 is reached with untreated urea after 2 days. Treatment with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient effectively inhibits the urease activity and only after 9 days a NH.sub.3 concentration of 600 ppm is reached. For the urea granules treated with U1, which were mixed with phosphate fertilizers, a clear reduction in the efficacy of U1 is observed. With TSP the 600 ppm NH.sub.3 concentration is reached after 3 days and with DAP after 4 days. Repeating the Dr?ger test after storing the mixtures for 36 days (Table 2b), shows no urease inhibition for the TSP and DAP samples (>1500 ppm NH.sub.3 after 3 days) anymore.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 2a Emission after a 9 day storage period Ammonia emission (ppm) Time Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 (days) a b a b a b a b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 650 500 20 0 150 100 75 50 3 >1500 >1500 20 20 600 600 250 250 4 50 50 1500 1500 600 600 5 100 100 >1500 >1500 1200 1200 6 200 200 >1500 >1500 7 300 300 10 900 800

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 2b Emission after a 36 day storage period Ammonia emission (ppm) Time Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 (days) a b a b a b a b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 >1500 >1500 50 50 >1500 >1500 >1500 >1500 4 75 75 5 150 125 6 250 250 7 300 400 8 450 500 9 700 800 10 800 950

Example 3

[0613] 10 g U1 treated urea and 0.5 g magnesium sulfate were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 gram phosphate fertilizer was added and mixed by shaking the jar. [0614] Sample 1: urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient (Comparative Sample) [0615] Sample 2: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g MgSO.sub.4, 10 g TSP [0616] Sample 3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g MgSO.sub.4, 10 g DAP

[0617] The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 months urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. As can be seen in tables 3a and 3b, 2.5 wt.-% magnesium sulfate can prevent degradation of U1 in mixtures containing phosphate fertilizers for up to 6 months.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 3a Emission after 0.5 months of storage Ammonia emissions (ppm) Time Sample 1 Sample 2 (days) a b a b Sample 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 20 0 20 50 0 0 3 20 20 100 150 20 20 4 50 50 300 300 50 50 5 100 100 550 600 100 100 6 200 200 1000 1000 200 200 7 300 300 1500 1400 300 400 10 900 800 >1500 >1500 800 1100

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 3b Emission after 2, 4, or 6 months of storage Ammonia emission (ppm) 2 months storage of NP mixture 4 months storage of NP mixture 6 months storage of NP mixture Time Sample 1 Sample 3 Sample 1 Sample 3 Sample 1 Sample 3 (days) a b a b a b a b a b a b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 10 10 20 20 0 0 0 0 3 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 0 0 5 5 4 22 22 40 30 na na na na 5 5 20 20 5 35 35 60 50 40 30 50 50 10 10 40 40 6 50 50 100 100 50 50 75 100 30 30 50 60 7 100 100 250 200 100 100 175 200 50 50 75 100 8 190 190 350 280 150 125 250 250 60 60 110 140 9 250 250 500 300 200 200 300 350 80 80 200 200 10 275 275 550 350 225 275 400 475 100 100 250 250 11 300 325 500 600 180 180 320 320 12 450 400 700 800 280 280 450 400 13 320 300 600 500 na: data not available

Example 4

[0618] 10 g U1 treated urea and 0.25 gram magnesium sulfate were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 g phosphate fertilizer was added and mixed by shaking the jar. [0619] Sample 1: 10 g urea, 0.25 g MgSO4 [0620] Sample 2: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0621] Sample 3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 g MgSO4, 10 g DAP

[0622] The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 1 month the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. As can be seen in Table 4, magnesium sulfate by itself does not inhibit the urease activity, but does prevent the degradation of U1 in fertilizer mixtures containing DAP.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 4 Time ammonia emission (ppm) (days) 1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 20 0 0 2 800 775 825 750 0 0 3 >1500 >1500 >1500 >1500 20 20 4 30 50 5 50 60 6 100 100 7 200 200 8 300 300 9 350 350 10 450 475

Example 5

[0623] 10 gram U1 treated urea and 0.5 gram salt were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 gram DAP was added and mixed in by shaking the jar. [0624] Sample 1: urea [0625] Sample 2: urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient [0626] Sample 8: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 g anhydrous magnesium [0627] sulfate [0628] Sample 9: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0629] Sample 10: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, 10 g DAP [0630] Sample 11: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient 0.25 g calcium sulfate dehydrate, 10 g DAP [0631] Sample 12: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient 0.25 g anhydrous calcium chloride, 10 g DAP

[0632] The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 18 days, the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. As shown in Table 5, magnesium sulfate on its own does not inhibit the urease enzyme. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate does prevent the degradation of U1 as effectively as anhydrous magnesium sulfate, showing that the desiccant properties of magnesium sulfate do not play a role in the prevention of U1 degradation. Also other cation providing salts, like calcium sulfate and calcium chloride are effective in preventing the degradation of U1.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 5 (part 1) Ammonia emission (ppm) Time 1 2 8 (days) a b a b a b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 >1500 >1500 20 20 >1500 >1500 4 25 25 5 50 50 6 75 75 7 125 125 8 200 200 9 300 300 10 400 350 (part 2) Ammonia emission (ppm) Time 9 10 11 12 (days) a b a b a b a b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25 20 20 20 25 25 20 15 4 50 30 45 35 50 60 25 20 5 100 50 60 60 150 150 50 50 6 150 100 100 125 300 300 100 75 7 300 300 200 275 500 500 200 125 8 450 300 300 475 800 800 300 275 9 525 350 475 525 1100 1100 450 325 10 700 475 525 800 1400 1300 525 425

Example 6

[0633] 10 g U1 treated urea and different amounts of magnesium sulfate were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 g DAP was added and mixed by shaking the jar. The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 5 days, the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. The following samples were tested: [0634] Sample 1: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0635] Sample 2: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0636] Sample 3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.18 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0637] Sample 4: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.11 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0638] Sample 5: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.05 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP

[0639] As can be seen in Table 6, after 5 days storage of the NP mixture as low as 0.25 wt.-% MgSO.sub.4 is effective to avoid U1 degradation.

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 6 Emission with various concentrations of MgSO.sub.4 Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 15 15 10 15 20 15 15 20 20 3 20 25 30 20 25 30 30 25 30 40 4 30 50 40 40 50 50 50 50 80 90 5 50 75 60 60 90 75 90 90 150 150 6 100 150 125 125 150 125 175 175 250 275 7 200 250 225 250 225 225 275 275 400 400 8 300 350 300 350 350 300 400 350 550 550 9 425 500 425 500 475 425 500 500 800 800 10 680 780 580 780 650 650 800 780 1000 1080

Example 7

[0640] 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient and 0.25 g magnesium sulfate were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 g DAP was added and mixed by shaking the jar. The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 5 months the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. As can be seen in Table 7, 1.25 wt.-% magnesium sulfate can prevent degradation of U1 in mixtures containing DAP for up to 5 months. [0641] Sample 1: urea [0642] Sample 2: urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient [0643] Sample 3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0644] Sample 4: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.25 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 7 Emission after storage of 5 months with 1.25 wt.-% MgSO.sub.4 Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 50 80 0 0 70 30 0 0 3 1000 900 0 0 900 800 0 0 4 >1500 >1500 5 10 >1500 >1500 20 20 5 10 20 30 20 6 40 20 50 50 7 50 40 100 100 8 60 50 120 150 9 80 70 200 200 10 150 100 300 300 11 220 180 450 400 12 300 220 600 600 13 380 400 780 780

Example 8

[0645] Urea was treated with different NBPT based urease inhibitors (0.04 wt.-% active ingredient on urea).

[0646] 10 g of the treated urea and 0.5 g magnesium sulfate were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 g DAP was added and mixed by shaking the jar. The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 3 weeks the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. The following samples were tested: [0647] Sample 1: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient [0648] Sample 2: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0649] Sample 3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous, magnesium [0650] sulfate, 10 g DAP [0651] Sample 4: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous, calcium chloride, 10 g DAP [0652] Sample 5: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Advance active ingredient [0653] Sample 6: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Advance active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0654] Sample 7: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Advance active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0655] Sample 8: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Advance active ingredient 0.5 g anhydrous calcium chloride, 10 g DAP [0656] Sample 9: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Ultra active ingredient [0657] Sample 10: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Ultra active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0658] Sample 11: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Ultra active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate, 10 g DAP [0659] Sample 12: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% Agrotain Ultra active ingredient, 0.5 g anhydrous calcium chloride, 10 g DAP

[0660] As can be seen in Table 8 a, b, and c for all of the tested products active ingredient degradation takes place in the presence of DAP resulting in a significantly reduced efficacy. Addition of MgSO.sub.4 or CaCl.sub.2 eliminates the influence of DAP on the performance of the tested urease inhibitors in urea/DAP blends.

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 8a Emission with U1 Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 2 10 10 45 30 5 5 5 5 3 20 20 150 100 20 20 20 20 4 30 30 400 400 35 35 35 35 5 50 50 800 800 50 50 50 50 6 100 90 1350 1250 100 100 75 60 7 200 120 >1500 >1500 120 180 100 100 8 250 200 200 250 200 150 9 300 300 300 300 300 200 10 400 400 300 400 350 300 11 500 500 450 500 500 400

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 8b Emission with Agrotain Advance Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 10 0 20 0 0 2 5 5 50 40 5 25 5 5 3 20 20 300 200 20 50 20 20 4 35 35 1000 800 35 100 35 35 5 50 50 >1500 >1500 50 100 50 50 6 60 100 100 200 75 75 7 120 180 180 300 120 120 8 200 250 200 350 200 200 9 300 300 300 450 300 280 10 350 400 400 500 350 350 11 500 500 500 700 500 500

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 8c Emission with Agrotain Ultra Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 2 10 10 25 40 10 10 5 10 3 20 20 300 400 20 20 20 20 4 35 35 1300 1500 35 35 35 35 5 50 50 >1500 >1500 50 50 50 50 6 75 60 100 100 100 100 7 150 120 180 180 180 180 8 200 200 250 200 250 250 9 350 300 350 350 350 350 10 500 350 500 500 500 500 11 650 500 600 600 600 600

Example 9

[0661] A 16-8-22 wetblend fertilizer was treated with a solution of CaCl.sub.2 dissolved in DMSO. For the preparation of the CaCl.sub.2 solution, 8 g CaCl.sub.2 was dissolved in 100 g DMSO. 50 grams of fertilizer was treated with 8.4 grams of CaCl.sub.2 solution. The fertilizer was allowed to dry for 2 days at room temperature. Afterwards the fertilizer was treated with U1 to obtain a U1 active ingredient concentration on the fertilizer of 0.04 wt.-%. After 1 month storage in a closed jar at room temperature in a dark place, the fertilizer was tested with the Dr?ger test. The following samples were tested: [0662] Sample 1: 16-8-22 fertilizer treated with U1 active ingredient [0663] Sample 2: 16-8-22 fertilizer treated with CaCl.sub.2 solution [0664] Sample 3: 16-8-22 fertilizer treated with CaCl.sub.2 solution and U1 active ingredient

[0665] As can be seen in Table 9, CaCl.sub.2 is able to prevent the degradation of U1 active ingredient on wetblend fertilizers.

TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 9 Emission of a NPK wetblend fertilizer treated with a CaCl.sub.2 solution Time Ammonia emission (ppm) (Days) 1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 20 2 15 0 0 2 35 50 20 30 20 20 3 100 50 70 150 25 25 4 300 200 450 650 50 50 5 750 550 1500 >1500 75 75 6 1500 1500 >1500 100 100 7 >1500 >1500 200 200 8 350 350 10 650 650 11 900 900 12 1350 1500 13 >1500 >1500 14

Example 10

[0666] 10 gram U1 treated urea and 0.5 gram salt were added to a jar and mixed by shaking the jar. Afterwards, 10 gram DAP was added and mixed in by shaking the jar. [0667] Sample 10.1: urea [0668] Sample 10.2: urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient [0669] Sample 10.3: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 10 g DAP [0670] Sample 10.4: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3, 10 g DAP [0671] Sample 10.5: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g FeSO.sub.4, 10 g DAP [0672] Sample 10.6: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g ZnCl.sub.2, 10 g DAP [0673] Sample 10.7: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g ZnSO.sub.4, 10 g DAP [0674] Sample 10.8: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g CuSO.sub.4, 10 g DAP [0675] Sample 10.9: 10 g urea treated with 0.04 wt.-% U1 active ingredient, 0.5 g Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2, 10 g DAP

[0676] The closed jar was then stored at room temperature in a dark place. After 14 days, the urea granules were removed from the jar and tested with the Dr?ger test. As shown in Table 10a and Table 10b, all tested salts reduce the effect of DAP on the degradation of U1 in fertilizer mixtures containing DAP.

TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 10a Ammonia emission (ppm) Time Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample (Days) 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 2 510 0 20 0 10 3 >1500 20 100 20 20 4 30 400 50 50 5 40 650 100 100 6 50 1150 250 200 7 75 >1500 400 300 8 120 600 550 10 200 825 800

TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 10b Ammonia emission (ppm) Time Sample Sample Sample Sample (Days) 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 10 10 0 0 3 25 30 50 20 4 50 50 15 50 5 60 80 30 60 6 100 120 50 120 7 200 200 70 270 8 400 350 100 450 10 550 500 200 600

[0677] Particularly preferred embodiments (Embodiments) of the invention are described below:

Embodiment 1

[0678] Use of a cation source (1) comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein [0679] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl;
in a composition A comprising [0680] (i) a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) according to general formula (I)

##STR00017## [0681] wherein [0682] X.sup.1 is O or S; [0683] R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; [0684] R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)akylaminocarbonyl; or [0685] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and [0686] R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl;
and [0687] (ii) a fertilizer mixture (3) comprising a urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and an additional P-containing fertilizer (3b) which is preferably a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, or a P fertilizer;
to prevent decomposition of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2).

Embodiment 2

[0688] A method for preventing decomposition of a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) according to general formula (I)

##STR00018## [0689] wherein [0690] X.sup.1 is O or S; [0691] R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; [0692] R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or [0693] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and [0694] R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl;
in a composition A comprising [0695] (i) the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2);
and [0696] (ii) a fertilizer mixture (3) comprising a urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and an additional P-containing fertilizer (3b) which is preferably a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, or a P fertilizer;
by adding a cation source (1) comprising a cation C.sup.m+ to the composition A, wherein [0697] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl.

Embodiment 3

[0698] A mixture M comprising [0699] (i) a cation source (1) comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein [0700] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl;
and [0701] (ii) a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) according to general formula (I)

##STR00019## [0702] wherein [0703] X.sup.1 is O or S; [0704] R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.2O-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; [0705] R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or [0706] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and [0707] R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

Embodiment 4

[0708] The mixture M according to Embodiment 3, wherein the composition further comprises [0709] (iii) a fertilizer mixture (3) comprising a urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and an additional P-containing fertilizer (3b) which is preferably a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, or a P fertilizer.

Embodiment 5

[0710] A granule G comprising a urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and/or a P-containing fertilizer (3b) which is preferably a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, or a P fertilizer, wherein the granule is coated with a cation source (1) comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein [0711] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl;

Embodiment 6

[0712] The granule G according to Embodiment 5, wherein the granule is further treated with a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) according to general formula (I)

##STR00020## [0713] wherein [0714] X.sup.1 is O or S; [0715] R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; [0716] R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or [0717] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and [0718] R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

Embodiment 7

[0719] A composition B comprising [0720] (i) a (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) according to general formula (I)

##STR00021## [0721] wherein [0722] X.sup.1 is O or S; [0723] R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; [0724] R.sup.2 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20-cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-aryl-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-(di)alkylaminocarbonyl; or [0725] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S; and [0726] R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of H and C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; [0727] (ii) a fertilizer mixture (3) comprising a urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and an additional P-containing fertilizer (3b) which is preferably a NPK fertilizer, a NP fertilizer, a PK fertilizer, or a P fertilizer; and [0728] (iii) a cation source (1) comprising a cation C.sup.m+, wherein [0729] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, or a quaternary ammonium group comprising at least three groups selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl and C.sub.1-C.sub.2-hydroxyalkyl;
wherein the composition B is obtainable
by a process comprising the steps of [0730] (a1) treating granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) with the cation source (1); [0731] (b1) blending the treated granules of step (a1) with granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer (3b);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0732] (a2) treating granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer (3b) with the cation source (1); [0733] (b2) blending the treated granules of step (a2) with granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0734] (a3) blending granules comprising the urea-containing fertilizer (3a) and the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) with granules comprising the P-containing fertilizer (3b); and [0735] (b3) treating the blend of step (a3) with the cation source (1);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0736] (a4) treating granules comprising the fertilizer mixture (3) with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2); and [0737] (b4) treating the treated granules of step (a4) with the cation source (1);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0738] (a5) treating granules comprising the fertilizer mixture (3) with the cation source (1); and [0739] (b5) treating the treated granules of step (a5) with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0740] (a6) providing granules comprising the fertilizer mixture (3); and [0741] (b6) treating the granules of step (a6) with asolid or liquidmixture comprising the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) and the cation source (1);
or by a process comprising the steps of [0742] (a7) providing granules comprising the fertilizer mixture (3) and the cation source (1); and [0743] (b7) treating the granules of step (a7) with the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2).

Embodiment 8

[0744] The use according to Embodiment 1, the method according to Embodiment 2, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3 or 4, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 5 or 6, wherein the cation source (1) is a salt, which comprises a cation C.sup.m+, wherein [0745] C.sup.m+ is Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Li.sup.+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Ag.sup.+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, or Ba.sup.2+.

Embodiment 9

[0746] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1 or 8, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2 or 8, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4 or 8, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6 or 8, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7 or 8, wherein the cation source (1) is a salt, which further comprises an anion A.sup.n?, wherein [0747] A.sup.n? is F.sup.?, Cl.sup.?, Br.sup.?, I.sup.?, SO.sub.4.sup.2?, NO.sub.3.sup.?, or CH.sub.3CO.sub.2.sup.?.

Embodiment 10

[0748] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8 or 9, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8 or 9, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8 or 9, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8 or 9, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8 or 9, wherein the cation source (1) is a salt, which has a solubility of at least 33 g/L in water at a temperature of from 15? C. to 25? C.

Embodiment 11

[0749] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9 or 10, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9 or 10, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9 or 10, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the cation source (1) is a salt, which is selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3, Fe(SO.sub.4), Fe.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3, ZnSO.sub.4, CuSO.sub.4, CaSO.sub.4, AlCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3, ZnCl.sub.2, CuCl.sub.2, Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2, CaCl.sub.2, and MgSO.sub.4, and is preferably CaCl.sub.2 or MgSO.sub.4.

Embodiment 12

[0750] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10 or 11, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10 or 11, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 or 11, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) is N-n-butylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT), N-n-propylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT), or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 13

[0751] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the P-containing fertilizer (3b) causes a decomposition of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) of at least 10 wt.-% based on the total amount of the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide within 15 days at a temperature of from 20? C. to 25? C., if no cation source (1) is present.

Embodiment 14

[0752] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the fertilizer (3a) is urea and/or the P-containing fertilizer (3b) is selected from the group consisting monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium phosphate, super phosphate, double super phosphate, triple super phosphate (TSP), phosphate rock, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 15

[0753] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) is provided in combination with at least one amine (4).

Embodiment 16

[0754] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the thio)phosphoric acid triamide (2) is provided in combination with at least one amine (4) selected from the group consisting of [0755] (4a) a polymeric polyamine; and [0756] (4b) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least three alkoxy or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.21, wherein at least one of the groups R.sup.21 is different to the other groups R.sup.21; and [0757] (4c) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least two alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.22, wherein at least one of the groups R.sup.22 bears the alkoxy or hydroxy substituent at a secondary or tertiary carbon atom and wherein at least one of the groups R.sup.22 is different to the other group(s) R.sup.22; and [0758] (4d) an amine containing at least one saturated or unsaturated C.sub.8 to C.sub.40 alkyl group R.sup.23; and [0759] (4e) a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic amine which contains at least one oxygen atom as ring atom and which does not contain a further alkoxy group; and [0760] (4f) an amine having a boiling point of more than 100? C., preferably more than 150? C., more preferably more than 200? C. at ambient pressure (1 bar), and [0761] (4g) a primary amine, and [0762] (4h) a secondary amine, and [0763] (4i) a tertiary amine, [0764] (4j) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least two alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.22, [0765] (4k) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least three alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.22, [0766] (4l) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least three alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.41, wherein all groups R.sup.41 within said amine are identical, and [0767] (4m) an amine containing not more than one amino group and at least two alkoxy- or hydroxy-substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkyl groups R.sup.42, wherein at least one of the groups R.sup.42 bears the alkoxy or hydroxy substituent at a secondary or tertiary carbon atom and wherein all groups R.sup.42 with said amine are identical, and [0768] (4n) an amine selected from the group consisting of methyldiethanolamine, tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, trimethylaminoethylethanolamine, N,N,N,N-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, N,N,N-tris(dimethylaminopropyl)hexahydrotriazine, and 2,2-dimorpholinyldiethyl ether, and [0769] (4o) an amine selected from the group consisting of (L10), (L11), (L12), (L13), (L14), (L15), (L16), (L17), (L18), (L19), (L20), (L21), (L22), (L23), (L24) and (L29) as disclosed in the PCT application PCT/IB2015/059864.

Embodiment 17

[0770] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein the cation source (1) is used in an amount of at least 0.25 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fertilizer mixture (3), or in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the P-containing fertilizer (3b).

Embodiment 18

[0771] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein the cation source (1) is used in an amount of at most 5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fertilizer mixture (3), or in an amount of at most 10 wt.-% based on the total weight of the P-containing fertilizer (3b).

Embodiment 19

[0772] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein the cation source (1) is used in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fertilizer mixture (3), or in an amount of at least 1 wt.-% based on the total weight of the P-containing fertilizer (3b).

Embodiment 20

[0773] The use according to any one of Embodiments 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the method according to any one of Embodiments 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the mixture M according to any one of Embodiments 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the granule G according to any one of Embodiments 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or the composition B according to any one of Embodiments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein the cation source (1) is used in an amount of at most 2.5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fertilizer mixture (3), or in an amount of at most 5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the P-containing fertilizer (3b).