Yellowing grass, weak stems, and lackluster growth all point to one thing: your lawn is starving for nitrogen. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer delivers a fast-acting, high-concentration nitrogen source that green turf demands, but the wrong formula can scorch roots or leach away before plants ever see a benefit.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing NPK ratios, studying nitrogen release curves, and analyzing owner feedback across hundreds of fertilizer SKUs to find the formulations that actually work in real turf and garden conditions.
Whether you need quick green-up for a tired lawn or precise feeding for edibles, finding the best ammonium nitrate fertilizer means understanding release timing, N-P-K balance, and application fit.
How To Choose The Best Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer
Not all high-nitrogen fertilizers are built the same. The difference between a lush lawn and a burned one often comes down to release mechanism and formulation balance. Here is what you need to check before buying.
Nitrogen Release Timing
Quick-release nitrogen turns grass green in 24 to 48 hours but fades fast and can burn if over-applied. Slow-release nitrogen feeds steadily over weeks but costs more per pound. The best products blend both — giving you immediate color with extended feeding to avoid the boom-and-bust cycle.
N-P-K Ratio and Additional Nutrients
Straight ammonium nitrate sits at roughly 34-0-0, but most lawn formulas add phosphate (P) and potash (K) for root and stress support. Some include iron for deep greening or humic acid for soil biology. Match the ratio to your specific use: high-phosphorus blends for new lawns, zero-phosphate formulas for established turf near waterways.
Formulation: Granular vs. Liquid
Granular fertilizers are easier to broadcast evenly and provide slow or controlled release through coatings. Liquids act faster and allow precise foliar or soil drench application, but require more frequent reapplication and a sprayer. Your spreader type and schedule should dictate which form you choose.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenView Fairway Formula | Granules | Deep greening with waterway safety | 63% slow-release nitrogen | Amazon |
| The Andersons PGF 16-0-8 | Granules | Fine particle distribution | Humic DG blend | Amazon |
| Supply Solutions Urea 46-0-0 | Granules | High-concentration pure nitrogen | 46% urea nitrogen | Amazon |
| Pennington Full Season 32-0-5 | Granules | Single application all season | 4-month polymer coating | Amazon |
| Petramax Liquid Nitrogen 28-0-0 | Liquid | Rapid green-up for deficient lawns | 70% quick + 30% slow release | Amazon |
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 | Granules | Combined weed control and feeding | Covers 4,000 sq. ft. | Amazon |
| Jack’s Nutrients 15-0-0 Calcium Nitrate | Powder | Hydroponic and continuous feed | Water-soluble calcium source | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer
The GreenView Fairway Formula delivers an N-P-K of 27-0-5 with the majority of its nitrogen locked in slow-release form. That means you get visible greening within days, but the plant keeps eating for up to 12 weeks without a dangerous growth surge. The complete absence of phosphate makes this a responsible choice for properties near lakes, streams, or drainage areas where runoff is a concern.
At 33 pounds covering 10,000 square feet, this bag offers serious value per application. Reviewers note consistent blue-purple dye that makes spreader passes easy to track, and the granules resist clumping even in humid conditions. Owners of St. Augustine, Bermuda, and fescue all report even color without streaking.
The proprietary slow-release coating does require thorough watering-in to activate, especially in dry climates. Some users with very large properties wish the bag was available in a larger size, but the 10K coverage hit is generous for most suburban lots.
What works
- Steady 12-week feeding without burn
- Phosphate-free protects waterways
- Dye visible for even application
What doesn’t
- Needs thorough watering for activation
- No larger bag size for bigger lawns
2. The Andersons Professional PGF 16-0-8 Fertilizer with Humic DG
The Andersons PGF 16-0-8 is a phosphorus-free blend designed for professionals who demand even distribution and soil health. The super-fine particle size delivers twice the number of granules per square foot compared to standard fertilizers, eliminating the striped look that coarser products leave behind. Each particle is coated with Humic DG, a dispersible granule that moves into the soil quickly and stimulates microbial activity.
This formulation combines quick-release nitrogen for an immediate green response with slow-release nitrogen that extends feeding up to eight weeks. The addition of iron and micronutrients corrects chlorosis and deepens color without the need for separate supplements. Warm-season and cool-season grasses both respond well, and the low burn potential means you can apply it confidently even during active growth.
This product is not available in California or Oregon due to regional regulations, and the 18-pound bag covers around 5,000 square feet at standard rates. Users with spreaders calibrated for finer particles may need to adjust settings to avoid overlapping.
What works
- Ultra-fine particles prevent streaks
- Humic DG improves soil biology
- Balanced quick and slow nitrogen
What doesn’t
- Not for sale in CA or OR
- Small bag coverage for the price
3. Supply Solutions Urea 46-0-0 Nitrogen Fertilizer
Supply Solutions packs the highest nitrogen concentration in this lineup at 46-0-0, making it the go-to choice for correcting severe nitrogen deficiency fast. This is straight urea in granular form — no additives, no slow-release coating, just pure N for immediate uptake. Gardeners report visible greening within three days of application when watered in properly.
The application rates are remarkably low: only 1/5 pound per 1,000 square feet for turf, which means a single 5-pound bag goes a long way. It works equally well on lawns, vegetables, trees, and shrubs, provided you follow the dilution guides. The high concentration also makes it more cost-efficient than blended products per unit of nitrogen.
Because this is 100% quick-release nitrogen, application timing is critical. Apply when temperatures are below 60°F and water immediately to prevent volatilization and burn. Users who skip those steps risk patchy yellowing or ammonia loss.
What works
- Highest N concentration available
- Small amount needed per application
- Works across turf, garden, and trees
What doesn’t
- Burns easily if over-applied
- Requires cool weather and immediate watering
4. Pennington Full Season Lawn Fertilizer 32-0-5
Pennington’s Full Season formula lives up to its name — one spring application feeds consistently through summer and into early fall. The polymer-coated urea releases nitrogen gradually over four months, eliminating the need for monthly reapplications. The 32-0-5 ratio leans heavily on N while including 5% iron for deep greening that corrects yellow-tip issues common in overwatered lawns.
Natural beneficial microorganisms are included in the granules to support soil health, which sets it apart from purely synthetic blends. The 11.2-pound bag covers 4,000 square feet, making it ideal for smaller to medium-sized lawns. It works on all cool- and warm-season grasses listed by the manufacturer.
This product is not available in Hawaii or South Dakota due to shipping restrictions. The iron content can leave a temporary blue-black tint on hardscapes, so sweep any stray granules off driveways and sidewalks immediately.
What works
- Single application lasts full season
- Iron gives strong color correction
- Contains beneficial microorganisms
What doesn’t
- Not available in HI or SD
- Iron may stain concrete
5. Petramax Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 28-0-0
Petramax delivers the convenience of liquid feeding with the staying power of slow-release technology. The 28-0-0 formula splits its nitrogen — 70% goes to work immediately for a rapid green response, while 30% is held back for sustained feeding between applications. This hybrid approach means you see color change in 24 hours without the sudden crash that straight quick-release liquids cause.
One 32-ounce bottle treats up to 12,800 square feet at maintenance rates or 6,400 square feet for correction. It works with any sprayer and mixes easily with water at a 5:1 or 10:1 ratio depending on need. Users with St. Augustine, Bermuda, and even mixed fescue lawns report consistent results, and the lack of granules means no spreader calibration is needed.
The downside is bottle economics — the entry cost per application is higher than granular options, and you must reapply every four to six weeks for continuous effect. Without a sprayer, you will need to buy or borrow one for proper coverage.
What works
- Visible green within 24 hours
- Dual-release prevents crash
- Large coverage from one bottle
What doesn’t
- Higher per-application cost
- Requires sprayer for proper use
6. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5
Scotts combines nitrogen feeding with broadleaf weed control in a single granular application. The 11.32-pound bag covers up to 4,000 square feet and targets over 50 common weeds including dandelion, clover, and plantain. The fertilizer component thickens turf naturally, crowding out future weed germination.
This product must be applied to wet grass when temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F for the herbicide to stick and activate properly. It works on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. Avoid use on St. Augustine, Dichondra, and bentgrass varieties.
The weed-killing chemistry limits this to two applications per year, so it is not a standalone nitrogen program. Users who need heavy nitrogen correction should pair this with a straight nitrogen supplement in between applications.
What works
- Fertilizes and controls weeds at once
- Targets 50+ broadleaf species
- Thickens lawn to prevent re-growth
What doesn’t
- Limited to two applications per year
- Not safe for St. Augustine or bentgrass
7. Jack’s Nutrients 15-0-0 Part B Calcium Nitrate
Jack’s 15-0-0 is not your typical lawn fertilizer — it is a water-soluble calcium nitrate powder designed for continuous liquid feed programs, especially hydroponics and soilless media. The calcium component strengthens cell walls and prevents blossom-end rot in fruiting crops, while the nitrate nitrogen form is immediately available without needing soil bacteria to convert it.
The 25-pound bag mixes at 8.6 ounces per 100 gallons of water to achieve 100 PPM nitrogen, making this a precision fertilizer for controlled environments. It is intended to work as Part B alongside Jack’s 5-12-26 Part A for a complete nutrient profile. Advanced growers appreciate the simplicity of a two-part system that lets them adjust N and calcium independently.
This is not a broadcast-and-forget product. Users must measure, mix, and apply through irrigation or foliar spray, and it lacks the iron, micronutrients, and slow-release mechanisms that lawn formulas provide. It is category-specific and best left to hydroponic, container, and high-value crop feeding.
What works
- Water-soluble for precise dosing
- Calcium prevents blossom-end rot
- Nitrate form available immediately
What doesn’t
- Not suited for general lawn feeding
- Requires mixing equipment
Hardware & Specs Guide
N-P-K Ratio
The three numbers on any fertilizer bag represent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by weight. For high-nitrogen needs, look for a first number between 28 and 46. Zero in the second position means no phosphorus — good for established lawns where runoff is a concern.
Release Mechanism
Quick-release nitrogen dissolves immediately and feeds within hours. Slow-release nitrogen uses polymer coating, sulfur coating, or urea-formaldehyde to extend feeding from 4 to 12 weeks. Controlled-release blends offer immediate color plus residual feeding in one application.
FAQ
What is the difference between ammonium nitrate and urea fertilizer?
Can I use high-nitrogen fertilizer on vegetables?
How often should I apply slow-release nitrogen fertilizer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best ammonium nitrate fertilizer winner is the GreenView Fairway Formula because it balances deep greening with 12-week slow release and zero phosphate for environmental safety. If you want the highest nitrogen concentration for a quick deficiency fix, grab the Supply Solutions Urea 46-0-0. And for precise hydroponic or foliar calcium-nitrate feeding, nothing beats the Jack’s Nutrients 15-0-0 Part B.