Nitrogen is the engine behind vegetative growth and yield in nearly every crop. Two of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers are urea fertilizer and ammonium nitrate—each offering distinct advantages and limitations. Selecting the optimal nitrogen source requires understanding how they differ in terms of nutrient content, cost, crop response, storage, and environmental impact.
In this article, we provide a professional comparison of urea fertilizer and ammonium nitrate, highlight when and where each one excels, and integrate trusted YaraFert® solutions to help you achieve precise, cost-effective crop nutrition.
Nitrogen Content in Urea Fertilizer vs. Ammonium Nitrate
Urea fertilizer (CO(NH?)?) is the most concentrated solid nitrogen fertilizer, delivering 46% nitrogen in a highly soluble form. Once applied, soil microbes convert urea to ammonium and then to nitrate through a process called nitrification.
Ammonium nitrate (NH?NO?), by contrast, contains 33–34% nitrogen split equally between ammonium and nitrate forms, making it immediately available to plants.
Comparative summary:
| Fertilizer | Nitrogen Content | Availability | Mode of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urea | 46% | Delayed (after hydrolysis and nitrification) | High-concentration N source, ideal for top-dressing |
| Ammonium Nitrate | 33–34% | Immediate | Balanced fast and medium release |
SULPHOMIN, a liquid YaraFert® product, contains 45% nitrogen and 15% sulfur—offering the same high nitrogen load as urea, but with enhanced sulfur for better nitrogen assimilation in sulfur-deficient soils.
Cost Comparison of Urea Fertilizer and Ammonium Nitrate
When it comes to cost per unit of nitrogen, urea fertilizer is typically more economical due to its higher nitrogen concentration and lower production costs.
However, cost-effectiveness also depends on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)—how much of the applied nitrogen is taken up by the plant versus lost to volatilization or leaching.
Key cost factors:
- Urea fertilizer tends to cost less per kilogram of nitrogen but may require more careful management to prevent losses.
- Ammonium nitrate is often more expensive but has higher NUE in cool or moist soils.
Biofast, a gel-based formulation with 12% nitrogen and high levels of humic and fulvic acids, improves urea efficiency by enhancing nitrogen retention and promoting microbial activity in the rhizosphere.
READ MORE: Types of Urea Fertilizer and Their Applications
Crop Performance Using Urea Fertilizer Versus Nitrate
Crops vary in how they respond to different nitrogen forms. Ammonium nitrate provides an immediate nutrient source, ideal for early growth stages, while urea fertilizer offers flexibility in timing and application.
Factors affecting crop performance:
- Soil pH: Urea increases pH temporarily during hydrolysis, which can impact uptake in alkaline soils.
- Temperature: Warm temperatures accelerate urea hydrolysis but also increase volatilization risk.
- Crop type: High-nitrogen-demand crops like cereals benefit from Ugarit Cereal (15% N, 2% Cu), which includes readily available nitrogen and trace elements.
Effective nitrogen programs often combine sources. For example:
- Start with ammonium nitrate or Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE for fast early growth
- Follow with urea fertilizer or Ugarit 10-0-5 + Organic Matter for sustained feeding during vegetative development
Storage and Safety of Urea Fertilizer vs. Alternatives
Storage, handling, and safety are critical factors in fertilizer selection, particularly in large-scale operations.
Urea fertilizer advantages:
- Stable in storage, less sensitive to moisture
- Non-explosive and safer to handle
- Can be transported in bulk without strict regulatory requirements
Ammonium nitrate concerns:
- Highly regulated due to explosive potential
- Requires dry, secure storage away from combustible materials
- May compact in storage, requiring breakage or reprocessing
To avoid storage issues while maintaining high nitrogen availability, liquid fertilizers like SULFOMIX or SULPHOMIN offer a safer, efficient alternative—delivering a mix of nitrogen, sulfur, and essential micronutrients in a stable suspension format.
READ MORE: Is Urea Fertilizer Organic? Clearing Common Misconceptions
Environmental Impact of Urea Fertilizer Compared to Nitrate
Both urea fertilizer and ammonium nitrate contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution if not managed correctly. However, they differ in the type and timing of nitrogen losses.
Urea fertilizer risks:
- Prone to ammonia volatilization if not incorporated into soil or applied before rainfall
- Converts to nitrate over time, contributing to leaching in sandy soils
Ammonium nitrate risks:
- More leachable, especially in wet soils
- Can contribute to nitrate contamination of groundwater
Tips for reducing environmental impact:
Before reviewing the best practices, it’s helpful to align application strategies with the fertilizer used:
- For urea fertilizer:
- Apply during cool, humid weather or incorporate immediately after spreading
- Use inhibitors or blend with humic-rich products like Biofast to slow conversion
- For ammonium nitrate:
- Avoid application before heavy rainfall
- Pair with sulfur-rich blends like Ugarit Multi (30% K?O, 32% S) to improve plant uptake and reduce leaching
Additionally, using balanced suspension blends like Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE minimizes the need for excess nitrogen applications by delivering other key macronutrients simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between urea fertilizer and ammonium nitrate depends on your crop system, soil type, and operational needs. Urea is ideal for cost-effective nitrogen application and is easier to store and handle. Ammonium nitrate, while more immediately available, requires tighter safety controls and environmental considerations.
YaraFert® offers versatile nitrogen solutions that outperform standard urea and nitrate fertilizers by integrating key additives like sulfur, calcium, organic matter, and micronutrients. Products like SULPHOMIN, Ugarit Cereal, and Biofast help bridge the performance gap between traditional nitrogen sources and modern efficiency needs.
Ready to Optimize Your Nitrogen Program?
Explore our full lineup of YaraFert® nitrogen-based fertilizers tailored to your crop needs and regional conditions. Whether you’re managing wheat, vegetables, or orchards, our high-efficiency formulations will help you maximize yield, minimize losses, and ensure safe application.
? Contact us today for personalized fertilizer plans or visit our website to browse our full product catalog.
Let’s build a sustainable nitrogen strategy—together.
READ MORE: Nitrogen Forms in Fertilizers: Nitrate vs Ammonium vs Urea