Urea vs Ammonium Sulfate for Lawns: Which Nitrogen Source?
Urea provides more nitrogen per pound and costs less, making it the budget choice for large lawns. Ammonium sulfate is better for alkaline soils because it lowers pH while feeding, and its sulfur content improves turf color. Choose urea for acidic or neutral soils, ammonium sulfate for alkaline soils.
How Do Urea (46-0-0) and Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) Compare?
Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) wins 3 of 5 categories. The breakdown below covers nitrogen per dollar, ph effect, sulfur content, volatilization loss, application rate simplicity.
| Factor | Urea (46-0-0) | Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) |
|---|---|---|
Nitrogen per Dollar Urea is 46% nitrogen and costs less per bag. You get more nitrogen per dollar spent | ||
pH Effect Ammonium sulfate lowers soil pH, benefiting lawns on alkaline soil. Urea has a neutral pH effect | ||
Sulfur Content Ammonium sulfate provides 24% sulfur, an essential nutrient for deep green color and stress tolerance | ||
Volatilization Loss Urea loses 20-30% of nitrogen to the atmosphere if not watered in. Ammonium sulfate has minimal volatilization | ||
Application Rate Simplicity Both require careful measurement. Urea's higher concentration means smaller amounts, reducing margin for error |
When Should You Choose Urea (46-0-0)?
Choose Urea (46-0-0) when you prioritize nitrogen per dollar. Urea is 46% nitrogen and costs less per bag. You get more nitrogen per dollar spent
- Nitrogen per Dollar: Urea is 46% nitrogen and costs less per bag. You get more nitrogen per dollar spent
When Should You Choose Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S)?
Choose Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) when you prioritize ph effect, sulfur content, volatilization loss. Ammonium sulfate lowers soil pH, benefiting lawns on alkaline soil. Urea has a neutral pH effect
- pH Effect: Ammonium sulfate lowers soil pH, benefiting lawns on alkaline soil. Urea has a neutral pH effect
- Sulfur Content: Ammonium sulfate provides 24% sulfur, an essential nutrient for deep green color and stress tolerance
- Volatilization Loss: Urea loses 20-30% of nitrogen to the atmosphere if not watered in. Ammonium sulfate has minimal volatilization
Where Are They Equal?
These 1 factors showed no meaningful difference between Urea (46-0-0) and Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S).
- Application Rate Simplicity: Both require careful measurement. Urea's higher concentration means smaller amounts, reducing margin for error
Sources
Source:Wikipedia: UreaSource:Wikipedia: Ammonium SulfateLast updated: