Canopy uptake of volatilized 15NH3 derived from urea applications by tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in plastic-shed vegetable production systems

•This study is the first report on the absorption of volatilized NH3 by the tomato canopy.•The amount of NH3 translocated and recovered cumulatively and instantaneously by tomato canopy was measured.•About 15.9–17.8 kg N ha−1 volatilized from urea-N can be reabsorbed by the tomato canopy annual.•More than 1/3 of the volatilized from urea-N absorbed by the tomato canopy is transferred to the fruit.