Ammonium Sulfate can be defined as an inorganic salt that contains Nitrogen and sulfur which is used for crop production. This fertilizer can be directly applied to the crops. In terms of N-P-K and S blends, it has the formula 0-0-21-24S. Ironite is a lawn supplement that has a high concentration of Ironite which helps in making your lawn green as it aids the photosynthesis process. It manages to do this as it produces enzymes that stimulate chlorophyll production by synthesizing proteins.
There’s a glaring difference between Ironite and Ammonium Sulfate, though most homeowners looking to improve their lawn assume the two fertilizers are the same.
In general, Ironite is a natural fertilizer that works by feeding your lawn with iron-rich particles. In contrast, Ammonium sulfate feeds your lawn by supplying nitrogen, which helps to make an even greener lawn.
Ironite vs Ammonium Sulfate – Which One Should You Use?
As a rule of thumb, Ironite organic lawn fertilizer is better than Ammonium sulfate fertilizer. The main difference between Ironite and Ammonium sulfate lawn fertilizer is how quickly you get the results. Ironite is an organic fast-acting lawn fertilizer that can be used as an alternative to Ammonium Sulfate for a dark green and lush lawn.
Ironite is a good choice for those who are looking for natural, organic fertilizers. However, it does come with some disadvantages like high cost and limited availability.
Ammonium sulfate is better than Ironite since it is a good replacement for nutrients that are lacking in some regions, Levels of organic residue that return to the soil are improved by this fertilizer, fast results are provided, and levels of organic residue that return to the soil are improved by this fertilizer. Ironite is also good since it requires less water, leads to greener grass/plants, works on different types of soils, and also provides essential nutrients.
1. What is Ironite and ammonium sulfate
1.01 Ammonium sulfate review
What is Ammonium Sulfate fertilizer?
Ammonium Sulfate can be defined as an inorganic salt that contains Nitrogen and sulfur which is used for crop production. This fertilizer can be directly applied to the crops. In terms of N-P-K and S blends, it has the formula 0-0-21-24S.
It is produced in several ways and the primary methods of production include:
The reaction of sulfuric acid with coke oven off-gasses
The reaction of sulfuric acid and anhydrous ammonia intentionally
Recovering a by-product from the production of caprolactam is the feedback that is used for the production of Nylon 6 polymer.
Ammonium sulfate usually exists in a dry form, it can either be compacted or it can be in form of crystals. There are differences in terms of shape and particle size when it comes to crystalline ammonium sulfate.
Conditioning agents like anti-caking coatings, and dust control coatings ought to be used during production and shipping points since Ammonium sulfate particles tend to degrade and do some dust generation and they also cake in storage.
Ammonium sulfate is usually applied when there is a need for supplement Sulfur and nitrogen for the growth of the plants. Although it only has 21 percent of Nitrogen, Ammonium sulfate is an excellent source of Sulfur which plays a big role in protein synthesis and other nutritional requirements of the plants.
Weed control effectiveness is improved by applying emergency herbicide sprays that contain dissolved ammonium sulfate.
1.02 Ironite review
What is Ironite Fertilizer?
Ironite is a lawn supplement that has a high concentration of Ironite which helps in making your lawn green as it aids the photosynthesis process. It manages to do this as it produced enzymes that produce chlorophyll by synthesizing proteins.
A change in color to pale yellow is a sign that your grass is in lacks essential nutrients. What many people don’t know is that Ironite is an incomplete fertilizer. In most cases, Ironite can be used as a supplement to your lawn together with the fertilizer.
Ironite has the formula 1-0-1 which means that there is a low concentration of potassium and nitrogen. The grass on your lawn grows fast as a result of the water-soluble iron which is in high concentration in the ironite.
Although iron is in high concentration, Ironite also contains helpful elements like nitrogen, potassium, and manganese in small quantities.
Types of Ironite Fertilizers
Organic iron fertilizers: This type of Ironite comes from organic sources. The iron is quickly absorbed although it is slow-releasing over a long period. The organic sources in question are milorganite and greensand. Organic Ironite does not stain any concrete.
Synthetic iron fertilizers: these are the type that is fast-releasing and your lawn can turn grey if this type is applied in excess. They produce very fast and instant results since they are fast-releasing.
Forms of Ironite
Granular ironite: granules are the form of this irony and they can be sprayed directly on the grass with the aid of a broadcast spreader. The grass has to be sprayed just after spraying the granular ironite for maximum results.
Liquid ironite: this exists in a liquid form and the spraying is done is using a sprayer tank or a spray container. Liquid ironite aids the grass blades in absorbing the supplement and a faster result is encouraged. Liquid ironite will be suitable if you wish for an immediate impact. Alkaline Sandy soil works best with liquid ironite.
When to use Ironite
Regular fertilizer can be applied together with Ironite. It is highly recommended that Ironite must be applied 4 times a year while it is combined with your regular fertilizer but see to it that it must not be used more than 10 times per year.
Why Use Ironite for Lawns Instead of Regular Fertilizer?
There must be a reason why people prefer Ironite over regular N-P-K fertilizers. The reason is that Ironite does a better job at greening your lawn than how traditional fertilizers would do it. Ironite seeks to eradicate the root cause of the pale color. A test is required to see if the yellow color of the grass is a result of iron deficiency.
The rate of growth is of much emphasis in this case. A high nitrogen addition will lead to the fast growth of the grass which implies frequent mowing of the grass but Ironite also encourages green lawns but the growth is slow which implies less mowing of the grass.
2. Benefits of Ironite vs. benefits of Ammonium sulfate
Benefits of using Ammonium sulfate
It is a good replacement of nutrients that are lacking in some regions: Ammonium sulfate fertilizer comes to the rescue of croplands that have marginal health, or deficiencies, therefore leading to higher yields and crop production increment.
Levels of organic residue that return to the soil are improved by this fertilizer: Since the health of local soil is improved by this fertilizer, which in turn leads to an increase in crop production, only implies that the amount of root biomass and the residue is improved as well. This means that there will be an increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, and sulfur. This leads to an improvement in the fertility of the soil and turns leads to benefits in the natural nutrient cycling process.
This fertilizer is affordable for an average grower: one of the main reasons why people prefer to use this fertilizer is its affordable price. Your profit margin is increased when your field preparation costs are reduced.
Fast results are provided: you will notice positive results not long ago after using Ammonium sulfate fertilizer. Your plants will show improvements within a matter of days after this product is applied.
Benefits of Using Ironite
It requires less water which will greatly help in cutting the water bill costs.
Ironite can work with all types of soils
Other plants can also make use of Ironite. Such plants include trees and shrubs
The grass will become greener while growing at a slow pace which will mean fewer jobs in mowing the grass.
Ironite works at a faster rate. In just a matter of weeks, the appearance and feel of your lawn will be greatly improved and this does not even need much water.
3. Drawbacks to Ironite and drawbacks to Ammonium sulfate
Drawbacks of using Ammonium Sulfate
It can lead to the formation of a high concentration of salts in the soil: when this product is near germinating seeds, it can cause injury or death to the new plant. This comes about due to the differences in the salt concentration, in this case when the plant cells have a lower salt concentration. This in turn leads to higher osmotic pressure in the soil which causes water to go into the ground instead of staying in the plant.
Ammonium sulfate can lead to a toxicity effect: once the urea granules of ammonium sulfate granules into contact with germinating seeds and convert them to Ammonia, the young plants will be killed by this toxicity effect.
This is not considered as an environmentally friendly solution for yields improvement: this fertilizer is made from the petroleum industry, and you know this is not an item that can be sustained. There is a great chance of pollution when using Ammonium sulfate.
The soil structures are not improved: the primary goal of this product is plant growth health support. In terms of soil structure evaluation, this product plays no role at all.
Drawbacks of Using Ironite
When there is contact between Ironite and concrete, the concrete ends up being stained permanently and walkways can also be stained.
There is a high risk of damage being caused to the lawns and might results in a grayish tone since it is easy to be applied in excess.
It might be safe in terms of home use, but it can be a source of metal leakage, more especially lead and arsenic.
4. Which organic fertilizer is better, Ironite or Ammonium sulfate, and why
By now, you must have a clue on which one is better. Here are a few tips to widen your knowledge of these two.
For A Greener Lawn
Both of these products can do well in this case since they are both essential nutrients for this.
For Improved Soil Quality
Ironite has essential nutrients which can have a positive role on the soil, unlike Ammonium sulfate which only focuses on the improvement of the health of the growth of the plants.
For a Shortage of Nutrients
Ammonium sulfate contains more nutrients and is in high concentration as compared to Ironite.
5. Where can you buy either one of these in your area
Visit any agro dealer shops in your local area or you can order them online.
FAQ About Ironite and Ammonium sulfate
Can I use Ironite and Ammonium sulfate together?
These two products can not be used together since Ammonium sulfate is a chemical fertilizer, unlike Ironite.
How to use Ironite fertilizer?
Choose the form of Ironite that needs to be used. Soil that has a high pH will work well with liquid Ironite. This is to make sure that the blades absorb the roots more efficiently as the roots find difficulties in absorbing Ironite when the soil is alkaline. Loamy or clay soils work well with granular Ironite.
This has to be done with protective gear on. Use one ounce of spray per 100 square feet. Once the spraying has been done, deep watering must be done and action must be allowed to take place.
Conclusion
Ammonium sulfate is a chemical fertilizer that has proven to help in the health of the growth of the plants. It contains many essential nutrients. In terms of lawn care, Ironite would be the ideal choice since it is well suited for the growth of the grass.
