The aim was to compare the effects of controlled-release urea (CRU) vs. conventional urea (hereafter called urea) on seed yield and N (i.e., protein) concentration, and N use efficiency (NUE). The treatments were combinations of tillage system [conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT)], and N source (urea, CRU and a blended mixture), placement method (spring-banded, fall-banded and split application) and application rate (0Á90 kg N ha (1 ). There was no tillage ) fertilizer treatment interaction on the measured crop variables. Seed yield and crop N uptake and, to a lesser degree, seed N concentration generally increased with N application to 90 kg N ha (1 . Fall-banded CRU or urea generally produced lower crop yield and N uptake than spring-banded CRU or urea. Split application of urea (half each at seeding and tillering) resulted in higher seed yield and N concentration in at least 3 of 7 site-years than did CRU and urea applied at a similar rate. A blend of urea and CRU was as effective as spring-banded CRU (at Star City only). Seed yield, N recovery and NUE were higher with spring-banded CRU than urea in 2 site-years, and similar to urea in other site-years. We conclude that for boreal soils of the Canadian prairies, spring-banded CRU is as effective as urea, and in some years more effective, in increasing crop yield and N recovery; however, urea split application can be even more effective in addition to having an advantage in managing risk. TM is used for the convenience of the reader and no endorsement whatsoever of this product is intended.Abbreviations: CRU, controlled-release urea; CT, conventional tillage; FB, fall-banded; NPE, N physiological efficiency; NRE, N recovery efficiency; NT, no tillage; SB, spring-banded For personal use only.