This applies particularly in ‘hard’ waters which are high in calcium and magnesium, and can cause clogging of pipes and nozzles. Up or UP-based fertilisers acidify the water and reduce the bicarbonate level. A solution of 100mg/1 UP reduces the bicarbonate content of alkaline water by 39mg/1; this solution contains 18mg/1 N and 44mg/1 P2O5.
Urea phosphate is considered to a dry acid which does not have the handling hazards often associated with liquid acids.