Types of Grass Fertilizer

About Grass Fertilizer

• Grass uses the natural supply of nitrogen in the soil rapidly, so most lawns lack adequate amounts of this nutrient. Fertilizers replace this lost nitrogen to make a greener, healthier lawn. Lawn fertilizer consists of three main components: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The blend of these components is listed on the label. Typically lawn fertilizer contains 20 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus and 10 percent potassium. This is represented as 20-10-10 by the manufacturer. There are different formulations available. The one you'll use depends on your type of grass and the climate conditions.

Water-Soluble

• Water-soluble fertilizers dissolve in water and act quickly. They release nitrogen into the soil on contact to make the grass green up rapidly. This type of fertilizer must be reapplied because the nitrogen is used quickly, typically within two weeks. It also acidifies your soil temporarily, which may affect beneficial organisms in your lawn.

Water-Insoluble

• Water-insoluble fertilizers do not dissolve in water, meaning the nitrogen is distributed over a period of eight to 10 weeks, rather than absorbed and used instantly. Also called slow-release, these fertilizers will not affect soil organisms and are considered gentler on your grass. They include organic and synthetic types and cost more than water-soluble fertilizers initially but save time and money in maintenance.

Organic, Inorganic or Synthetic

• Made from organisms and their byproducts, such as manure, organic lawn fertilizers break down slowly and aid in helping your grass appear dense and healthy. The organisms within the soil break these fertilizers down into usable materials, but organic fertilizers can promote weeds. They work better during warm and moist seasons.

  Inorganic fertilizers, like ammonium nitrate, are water-soluble and are immediately available to the grass. They may result in rapid growth, but can burn some grasses if applied incorrectly.

  Synthetic fertilizers consist of manmade chemicals, resulting in a rapid greening of your lawn. They work quickly, but their results don't last as long as an organic fertilizer, which means more frequent applications are necessary. Synthetic lawn fertilizers also have the potential to burn your grass if they aren't applied properly.

Liquid or Powder

• Dry, or powder, fertilizers are easy to use and last longer than liquids or gas formulations. These fertilizers are available as powders or granules, which are mixed with water when applied to your lawn. They're available in both slow and quick-release formulas.

  Liquid lawn fertilizers are sold as a concentrated liquid and are typically sprayed over the grass. This makes application easy and reduces the risk of burning. Liquids work fast and often provide immediate results, but require frequent application, which can be costly over time.