Abstract

Neem-coated urea (NCU) has gained widespread acceptance in agriculture due to its ability to enhance nitrogen use efficiency, reduce nitrogen loss and minimize environmental pollution. This study focuses on examining the dielectric properties of powdered neem-coated urea and evaluating its impact on soil health. Dielectric spectroscopy was used to study the dielectric constant and loss factor of neem-coated urea, while soil health parameters like nitrogen content, microbial activity and soil pH were monitored in field experiments. The results indicate that NCU shows favourable dielectric properties that contribute to controlled nitrogen release. Additionally, NCU-treated soil exhibited improved nitrogen retention, increased microbial activity and better overall soil health compared to conventional urea.