Urea (46-0-0) vs Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0): Which Nitrogen Source?

Wikipedia: UreaWikipedia: Ammonium Nitrate
Verdict

Urea is cheaper per pound of nitrogen and widely available, making it the default choice for most homeowners and farmers. Ammonium nitrate works faster in cold soil and has lower volatilization loss, but is harder to find due to regulatory restrictions.

How Do Urea (46-0-0) and Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0) Compare?

Urea (46-0-0) wins 4 of 6 categories. The breakdown below covers nitrogen content, cold weather performance, volatilization loss, availability, cost per pound of nitrogen, safety.

FactorUrea (46-0-0)Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0)
Nitrogen Content
Urea contains 46% nitrogen vs 34%, delivering more nitrogen per pound of product
9
7
Cold Weather Performance
Ammonium nitrate works immediately in cold soils. Urea requires soil bacteria to convert it, which slows in cold weather
5
9
Volatilization Loss
Urea can lose up to 30% of nitrogen to the atmosphere if not incorporated into soil. Ammonium nitrate has minimal loss
5
8
Availability
Urea is sold everywhere. Ammonium nitrate is restricted or unavailable in many areas due to security concerns
9
4
Cost per Pound of Nitrogen
Urea typically costs 20-30% less per actual pound of nitrogen delivered
8
6
Safety
Urea is non-explosive and safe to store. Ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer with strict storage requirements
8
4

When Should You Choose Urea (46-0-0)?

Choose Urea (46-0-0) when you prioritize nitrogen content, availability, cost per pound of nitrogen, safety. Urea contains 46% nitrogen vs 34%, delivering more nitrogen per pound of product

  • Nitrogen Content: Urea contains 46% nitrogen vs 34%, delivering more nitrogen per pound of product
  • Availability: Urea is sold everywhere. Ammonium nitrate is restricted or unavailable in many areas due to security concerns
  • Cost per Pound of Nitrogen: Urea typically costs 20-30% less per actual pound of nitrogen delivered
  • Safety: Urea is non-explosive and safe to store. Ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer with strict storage requirements

When Should You Choose Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0)?

Choose Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0) when you prioritize cold weather performance, volatilization loss. Ammonium nitrate works immediately in cold soils. Urea requires soil bacteria to convert it, which slows in cold weather

  • Cold Weather Performance: Ammonium nitrate works immediately in cold soils. Urea requires soil bacteria to convert it, which slows in cold weather
  • Volatilization Loss: Urea can lose up to 30% of nitrogen to the atmosphere if not incorporated into soil. Ammonium nitrate has minimal loss

Sources

Source:Wikipedia: UreaSource:Wikipedia: Ammonium Nitrate

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