Synthetic vs. Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Synthetic vs. Organic Lawn Fertilizer

 

If you’re interested in environmentally-friendly lawn care as a homeowner or you have outdoor pets to worry about, you should consider using an organic lawn fertilizer. To decide which is the right fertilizer application for your lawn needs, here are the benefits and drawbacks. 

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Lawn Fertilizer

Synthetic lawn fertilizers use man-made chemicals to add nutrients to your lawn.

Pros of synthetic fertilizerCons of synthetic fertilizer✓ Cheaper than organic ✗ Pollutes water sources with chemicals as a result of stormwater runoff✓ Faster results than organic ✗ Harms beneficial organisms in your soil such as earthworms and plant-friendly bacteria✗ Toxic for pets

Pros and Cons of Organic Lawn Fertilizer 

Organic lawn fertilizers use natural materials such as manure, compost, cottonseed meal, bone meal, or seaweed to add nutrients to your soil.

Pros of organic fertilizerCons of organic fertilizer✓ Doesn’t pollute the environment with unnatural materials ✗ More expensive than synthetic✓ Improves soil structure✗ May take a few applications to see significant improvement in your lawn✓ Boosts the number of beneficial microorganisms such as earthworms and plant-friendly bacteria in your soil
✓ Safe for pets, even immediately after application

Specialty Lawn Fertilizers

 

Some lawns have needs that run-of-the-mill fertilizers can’t satisfy. In that case, these specialty fertilizers can do the trick.

Want to make your fertilizer shopping process easier? See LawnStarter’s top picks for the best lawn fertilizers of the year. We’ve also ranked the:

Fertilizers for New Lawns

If you recently planted new grass seed or laid new sod, you’ll want to use a special fertilizer called a lawn starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are specially formulated to benefit new grass. They contain a high amount of phosphorus for healthy root development and a low amount of nitrogen to prevent burning. 

Weed-and-Feed Fertilizers

Many fertilizers contain pre-emergent herbicides or post-emergent herbicides for weed control as a bonus. 

Pre-emergent herbicides are weed-and-feed fertilizers applied in early spring to prevent common summer weeds such as crabgrass. Check out Lawnstarter’s article on the best pre-emergent herbicides for more information.

Post-emergent herbicides kill weeds that have already sprouted in your lawn. Lawnstarter has an article specifically on the best post-emergent herbicides for more information. 

Seasonal Lawn Fertilizers

Some fertilizers are designed to be used during a specific growing season. If you choose to use seasonal fertilizers, you’ll need to purchase a different product for each application throughout the year. You shouldn’t use a summer fertilizer in fall or vice versa.

When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn

Once you’ve chosen the right lawn fertilizer, you have to apply it. When is the best time to fertilize your lawn? That depends on your grass type. See our guide on When to Fertilize Your Lawn for lawn fertilization schedules for cool-season and warm-season grasses. 

For a step-by-step explanation of how to apply liquid and granular fertilizers, see our guide on How to Fertilize Your Lawn.

FAQ

1. What is Phosphate-Free Fertilizer? 

Phosphate-free fertilizer is fertilizer that doesn’t contain any phosphorus.

Even though phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, it disrupts aquatic ecosystems by causing algal blooms.

Many states ban or limit the use of fertilizers with phosphorus. 

2. What is the Best Ratio for Spring Lawn Fertilizer?

In spring, you want a fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen to prevent burning the grass as it wakes up from winter dormancy. The first number in the NPK ratio should be 10 or less.

Spring lawn fertilizers should also contain some phosphorus (if allowed in your state) and potassium. 

3. What is the Best Ratio for Summer Lawn Fertilizer?

In summer, your grass needs lots of nitrogen to help it stay thick and green through the punishing heat. The first number in the NPK ratio should be 20 or more.

Phosphorus and potassium aren’t as important in summer.

Note: Don’t fertilize cool-season grasses in summer. Cool-season grasses go dormant in summer, so fertilizer at this time of year – especially high-nitrogen fertilizer – would burn the grass.

4. What is the Best Ratio for Fall Lawn Care Fertilizer?

The first number in the NPK ratio should be 10 or less, and the second and third numbers should be higher than the first. 

In fall, your grass needs help preparing to survive the winter. This is especially true if you live in an area that gets snow. You need low nitrogen and as much phosphorus (if allowed where you live) and potassium as possible.

Call the Pros

When you’re done fertilizing the lawn, it will grow faster than ever. That means your healthy lawn will need mowing more often, but you don’t have to kiss your free time on the weekends goodbye. 

If you still need help with lawn care and can’t figure out what fertilizer to use for your lawn,  LawnStarter’s local lawn care pros are only a click away.

 

Jordan Ardoin

Jordan Ardoin is a writer and editor with a passion for sustainable, earth-friendly gardening and lawn care practices. When she isn't sharing her knowledge about lawn care and landscaping, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cat in her lap. Posts by Jordan Ardoin

Jordan Ardoin is a writer and editor with a passion for sustainable, earth-friendly gardening and lawn care practices. When she isn't sharing her knowledge about lawn care and landscaping, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cat in her lap.

How to Pick the Right Fertilizer for Your Lawn

Knowing how to pick the right fertilizer for your lawn is the first step toward a lush and green lawn. You’ll need more than just a good lawn mower to keep a well-maintained and attractive lawn outside your business premises, though a good lawn mower and lawn care specialist always helps.

Without proper fertilization and overseeding, and other specialist lawn care tricks, your turf can quickly become patchy, brown, and unhealthy. And, without a good fertilizer, your lawn also becomes more vulnerable to pests and fungi.

 

The Top 5 Best Lawn Fertilizers

When it comes to the best fertilizer for a lawn, the best solution for you depends on your lawn and your needs. So, when debating which fertilizer to use, we have created a guide to the top five grass fertilizers to give your cool and warm-season grasses the boost they need. Here is the best fertilizer for lawn needs.

1. Best Overall Lawn Fertilizer: Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer

The best fertilizer for grass, overall, is Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer. This grass fertilizer is wonderful for promoting healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers. With a non-burning, slow-release fertilizer solution, this nitrogen formula feeds for up to 10 weeks, while the iron helps promote long-lasting green grass.

Pros:

It stays in the root zone, preventing groundwater or well contamination;

The slow-release fertilizer keeps feeding for up to 10 weeks so you don’t have to constantly re-fertilize;

The non-burning formula protects vegetation;

It does not contain salt so can be used in drought conditions;

It does not need to be watered in.

Cons:

The 32 lb bag only covers 2,500 square feet, compared to other bags that can cover 5,000.

2. Best Organic Fertilizer: Organic Lawn Food by Jonathan Green

When it comes to the best organic fertilizers, Jonathan Green is at the top of the list. For a healthy lawn, organic fertilizer like this is essential. It is made with food-grade organic materials, like feather meal, soybean meal, and blood meal. Plus, it’s enriched with calcium carbonate and sulfate of potash. And with organic fertilizers, such as this organic fertilizer from Jonathan Green, you can feel safe using it around children and pets.

Pros:

Offers a homogenous blend for all grass types;

Safe for both kids and pets.

Cons:

Takes longer to see the benefits of this organic grass fertilizer.

3. Best Lawn Starter Fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass

For lawn fertilizers for new grass, we prefer the Scotts Turf Builder for lawn fertilization and grass growth.

This Starter Food blend promotes faster root and blade development, with a 24-25-4 lawn fertilizer ratio that provides the ideal amount of nutrients for a developing lawn. With this formula, you will promote grass seed to develop faster, improving seeding results so it grows 70% thicker, as well as 35% faster.

Pros:

Speeds up grass growth;

Safe to use on any grass type;

Provides proper nutrients for a newly developing lawn;

Can be used when planting new grass, starting a new lawn, or reseeding an established lawn.

Cons:

Should not be applied directly on newly planted sod, as it can cause burning.

4. Best Weed and Feed: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

For addressing weeds while promoting lush green grass, Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is the best lawn fertilizer product for the job.

This weed-killing lawn fertilizer relies on WeedGrip Technology to grip and kills the weeds you see, as well as the ones you don’t. The lawn fertilizer is formulated to address over 50 listed weeds, including clover and dandelion while creating a ticker, green grass.

Pros:

Created with WeedGrip Technology to address over 50 common weeds;

Helps to promote a lush lawn while killing weeds;

Crowds out future weeds.

Cons:

Can only be applied when temperatures are remaining between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Best Fertilizer for Green Grass: Ironite Mineral Supplement/Fertilizer

Of all the lawn fertilizers, Ironite Mineral Supplement is best for getting that perfect green grass look. To promote greener grass, this formula addresses nutrient deficiencies in your grass with a combination of iron, sulfur, and other minerals to promote a more vibrant finish. While promoting greener grass, the supplement also helps reduce mowing, compared to lawn fertilizers that promote growth.

Pros:

Promotes a more vibrant green grass;

Can be used on both the lawn and garden;

Does not stain or burn.

Cons:

Does not promote grass growth.

Different Types of Lawn Fertilizers

Once you’ve mastered NPK numbers, you also need to ask yourself, “What type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn?”.

There are many kinds of lawn fertilizers to choose from, but the best lawn fertilizers for your lawn depend on many factors. Whether you prefer organic, synthetic, granular, or liquid fertilizers, and so many more, we are breaking it all down here.

Organic Fertilizer vs. Synthetic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials that give your lawn the essential nutrients It needs. Typically, these fertilizers are great for boosting the nutrients in your soil, too.

Organic Fertilizer:

Won’t burn lawns;

Offer slow and steady nutrient release;

Has a wide range of trace minerals and balanced nutrition;

Boosts soil life by breaking down soil matter.

Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are ideal for providing the exact amount of nutrients your lawn needs based on its chemical makeup.

Synthetic fertilizers:

Are commonly available;

Formulas vary for specific lawn needs;

Work quickly;

Are inexpensive.

Liquid Fertilizer vs. Granular Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers are liquid concentrates that are diluted with water that can then be easily sprayed on the lawn. Many liquid fertilizers are quick-release and give your lawn essential nutrients.

Liquid fertilizer:

Easy to spray across the lawn;

Offer a quick-release formula;

Must be re-applied more frequently as it absorbs quickly.

Granular fertilizers are dry, unlike liquid formulas, and come in the form of pellets. Most granular formulations are slow-release and provide nutrients to your lawn over a long period.

Granular fertilizer:

Slow-release formula;

Won’t need to be reapplied during the season;

Provides nutrients over a long period.

Slow-Release Fertilizer vs Quick-Release Fertilizer

Slow-release formulas feature granular beads that offer fertilizer that releases nutrients over a controlled period, typically 6-8 weeks for longer, more consistent enrichment of your lawn.

Slow-Release Fertilizers:

Provides uniform application and growth;

Decreases loss of nutrients through the soil and air;

Less likely to burn the lawn;

Doesn’t require as many re-applications.

Quick-release fertilizers come as both liquids or water-soluble beads. These immediate-release options release nutrients right away into the soil when watered for an immediate boost of nutrients.

Quick-Release Fertilizer:

Fast response from grass;

Less expensive than alternatives;

Provides immediate nutrients;

Is more likely to burn;

Needs more frequent applications.

Specialty Lawn Fertilizers

Several fertilizer options can help target your lawn’s unique needs and requirements. With these types of fertilizers, you can give your lawn the boost it needs for a healthier lawn.

Some specialty lawn fertilizer types include:

Weed and feed

This is a mixture of nutrients as well as weed-killing chemicals that keep your lawn free of pesky weeds and plants.

Fertilizers for New Lawns

These mixtures are formulated to promote faster, lush growth. of the lawn, allowing new seeds to grow rapidly.

Seasonal Lawn Fertilizers

Wondering what is the best lawn fertilizer for early spring? There are unique lawn fertilizers for different seasons, allowing your lawn to grow strong depending on the weather.

How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for Your Lawn?

With so many options for the best lawn fertilizer for your lawn, it can be hard to select the right one for you. To help you choose the best lawn fertilizers for your yard, follow our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Consider Your Grass Type

The grass type growing in your lawn is an essential factor when choosing which fertilizer to use, and there are two primary types found in yards across the U.S.: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.

Cool-season grasses: This type of grass is best in cooler areas of the country. The species included in this type include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, and bentgrass. These grasses stay green all year and are best fertilized after the weather cools down, such as at the end of the summer;

Warm-season grasses: Typically found in warmer climates, species of warm-season grasses include Bermuda grass, zoysia, St. Augustine, and buffalo grass. All of these grasses become dormant in the winter and thrive in warm-season growth. These are best fertilized when the weather heats up.

Step 2: Determining What Nutrients Your Lawn Needs

To determine what your lawn needs, you have to test the soil. With a soil test kit, you can take a look at soil microbes, the soil’s pH levels, how much acidity is present, and what nutrients are missing so you can address these issues for a healthier lawn.

To do this, all you need to do is dig up some soil and send it to the county Extension office for testing to learn what your soil needs. Typically, we recommend regular tests of your soil.

Step 3: Understand the N-P-K Numbers

Knowing the N-P-K numbers is a key part of knowing how to choose a lawn fertilizer. These numbers determine how effective a fertilizer can be, or even how ineffective it can be.

Each fertilizer you’ll find available for sale will show you the ratio contained within it on the back of the back. The numbers show the percentage of potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen. A bag that reads 30-10-20, for instance, will mean that it consists of 30% nitrogen, 10% phosphate, and 20% potassium.

You might be wondering why fertilizers change this ratio if the numbers can be wrong – and that’s a good question. The answer, however, is that every law needs something different. With each nutrient offering different benefits, it’s up to you to find a ratio that suits your lawn.

How Do I Choose the Right Ratio?

Choosing the right ratio depends on the current health of your lawn. Here are some general rules to stick to.

A Healthy Lawn

For an established and healthy lawn, choose fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen but lower in phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is the least expensive nutrient of the bunch, and an established and healthy lawn doesn’t need as much potassium or phosphorus.

A New Lawn

For a new lawn, phosphorus, and potassium are much more important. Go easy on the nitrogen as the roots aren’t ready to handle a lot of top growth yet. So choose a fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. It’s usually more expensive, but it’s important for new turf.

A Stressed Lawn

If your grass is dealing with stressful conditions, then an increase in potassium can help prevent that stress and prepare the grass to be stronger. Choose fertilizers with high nitrogen and potassium, but lower in phosphorus.

Step 4: Choose the Type and Form Best to Fit Your Lawn

Now it’s time to choose between the different types of fertilizer. As we explained before, there are some options, whether liquid or granular, slow-release or quick-release, the best one for you depends on your goals.

When debating the options, consider what kind of results you need. Is it late in the season and you want quick results for a greener lawn? A quick-release formula is best for you. However, if you go ahead and apply your fertilizer in the spring, a slow-release, granular formula will help ensure the longevity of your lawn.

Step 5: Plan for Five Applications – Starting in April

There’s something to know about fertilizer – it’s not one-and-done. It’s important to plan and schedule your applications over the year, as your lawn will surely need it. While those of us up North won’t re-apply fertilizer in the winter months, doing so when the weather is warmer before the frost settles is essential to maintaining your lawn and keeping it healthy through all the seasons.

 

Nitrogen Fertilizers and Stabilizers for Corn Production

Anhydrous Ammonia

Anhydrous ammonia is applied by injection 6 to 8 inches below the soil surface to minimize escape of gaseous NH3 into the air. NH3 is a very hygroscopic compound and, once in the soil, reacts quickly with water and changes to the ammonium (NH4+) form. As a positively charged ion, ammonium binds with negatively charged soil constituents including clay and organic matter. Nitrogen in the ammonium form is held on the soil exchange complex and is not subject to movement with water.

Soil reactions – Ammonium ions are converted to the nitrate (NO3-) form by the action of soil bacteria in a process known as nitrification (Figure 1). Nitrification is a two-step process: 1) oxidation of ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-), and 2) oxidation of nitrite into nitrate (NO3-). Both steps are carried out by chemoautotrophic bacteria in the soil that use oxidation of chemical compounds as a source of energy for themselves. These bacteria are ubiquitous in most agricultural, pastoral, natural grassland, and forested geographies worldwide (Rajendran 2011). There are numerous species of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria; the most documented of which in agricultural systems are those belonging to the genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira. Oxidation of nitrite to nitrate is carried out by bacteria in the genus Nitrobacter.

As with nearly all biological reactions, the rate of nitrification is greatly influenced by soil temperature. In soils above 75°F, (24°C) nitrification is not limited by temperature. Cold soil temperatures slow nitrification, with the process essentially ceasing at soil temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

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How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertilizer

Search for lawn fertilizers, and you’ll find a million options with different numbers and words in the description. It’s hard to figure out which fertilizer products to buy if you don’t know what it all means. This guide explains in detail how to choose the right lawn fertilizer, from understanding the NPK ratio to choosing which application method you prefer.

How to Read Lawn Fertilizer Numbers

On any lawn fertilizer label, you’ll find a combination of three numbers. These formulations might be 10-10-10, 32-0-10, 16-4-8, or any other combination. Those numbers are called the NPK ratio. The NPK ratio is the most important factor in choosing the right grass fertilizer for your type of grass. 

NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These are the three most important nutrients for your grass. The numbers in the ratio tell you what percentage of each nutrient the fertilizer contains. For example, a fertilizer with an NPK of 10-10-10 is 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. 

Multiply the percentages by the amount of fertilizer in the package to figure out how many pounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium the fertilizer contains. For example, if you buy a 14-pound bag of fertilizer with an NPK of 16-4-8, you would use these calculations:

16% (0.16) nitrogen x 14 pounds of fertilizer = 2.24 pounds of nitrogen

4% (0.04) phosphorus x 14 pounds of fertilizer = 0.56 pounds of phosphorus 

8% (0.08) potassium x 14 pounds of fertilizer = 1.12 pounds of potassium

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium all serve a different purpose:

Nitrogen boosts fast growth and helps achieve a dark green lawn color.

Phosphorus encourages strong root growth. 

Potassium improves disease resistance, overall plant health, and provides essential nutrients.

So, if you’re looking for a fertilizer for grass to make your lawn grow faster and greener, you’ll want a high-nitrogen content fertilizer.

A soil test can help you figure out what NPK to look for in your fertilizer because the results tell you which nutrients your soil contains and which ones it’s lacking. 

If you find out your soil doesn’t have enough phosphorus, you’ll want a lawn care fertilizer with plenty of phosphorus. The same goes for potassium. Your soil test results will also tell you how many pounds of nitrogen you should apply to your lawn. Depending on which lab you use, the results might even tell you the best NPK ratio to look for. 

You should be able to get a soil test from your state university’s local county Extension office. Find your university extension using this directory. 

Granular vs. Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

 

Should you use liquid or granular fertilizer? That’s a matter of personal preference. Here are the pros and cons of each type of fertilizer to help you decide.

Pros and Cons of Granular Lawn Fertilizer 

Granular fertilizers come in the form of tiny particles (aka “granules”) in a bag. You apply them to your lawn using a fertilizer spreader, without diluting or mixing with water first. Most granular options are “slow-release fertilizers,” which means they add nutrients to the soil gradually over time instead of all at once. 

Pros of granular fertilizer Cons of granular fertilizer ✓ More even coverage than liquid✗ More complicated application process ✓ Slow-release formula means longer-lasting results ✗ Takes longer to break down into the soil and green-up the grass 

Pros and Cons of Liquid Lawn Fertilizer 

Liquid fertilizers come in a few different forms. Some come in ready-to-spray bottles that you simply hook up to your garden hose, some come in a concentrated liquid form that you dilute with water before spraying, and others come in water-soluble particles that become liquid when you mix them with water. 

Pros of liquid fertilizer Cons of liquid fertilizer ✓ Faster green-up✗ Usually contains immediate-release fertilizer, which means results don’t last as long ✓ Easier application✗ Often results in patchy coverage✗ More likely to burn the grass than granules

 

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