Pelletized Vs. Liquid Fertilizer: Which Type is Best for My Lawn?

When it comes to choosing a type of fertilizer, pelletized and liquid forms offer many advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the difference between these two types can help you make the best choice for fertilizing your lawn.

Types

Fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the three primary nutrients that plants require for optimal growth. The most important nutrient is nitrogen, which helps plants convert carbohydrates to energy for growth. Pelletized fertilizer combines these nutrients in a solid form that release nutrients over time. Pelletized forms require water to break down the solid and release nutrients, whereas liquid types break down immediately.

Pelletized

Pelletized fertilizer is the most common form of fertilizer. Because the nutrients release over time, it reduces the risk of nitrogen, or fertilizer burn. Pelletized fertilizers applied during the spring months release nutrients into the soil before growth occurs during the late spring and early summer months. However, the downside is that pelletized fertilizer takes longer to activate into the soil, which is a disadvantage for lawns that require immediate nutrients in soil for optimal growth.

Liquid

According to the Michigan State University Extension, liquid fertilizer comes in three-forms, anhydrous ammonia , aqua ammonia, liquid nitrogen solutions and a mixture of nutrients. The liquid form has the benefit of injecting high concentrations of nutrients that act instantly on your lawn. However, liquid fertilizer can cause an overdose of nitrogen and fertilizer burn. Nitrogen promotes lush, green foliage. However, too much nitrogen causes plants to become susceptible to disease, insect damage and weak growth. Fertilizer burn, identified by brown patches on your lawn, is a common problem that homeowners face when applying liquid-based fertilizer.

What type is best for my lawn?

Not all lawns require fertilizer for optimal growth. University-based and private labs can test soil samples for nutrient levels. Soil samples that lack nutrients require fertilization as early on during the growing season as possible. Pelletized fertilizer is the best option if you plan to apply fertilizer during the spring and throughout the summer months. However, if your soil is lacking nutrients during the growing season, liquid fertilizer offers the benefit of immediate nutrient application. Lawns that lack nitrogen benefit greatly by liquid fertilizer because it applies heavy doses of nitrogen that instantly affects lawn grass . The best type of fertilizer depends on the nutrient needs of your lawn at a specific time. Pelletized fertilizer is best for pre-season application, while liquid is best for immediate nutrient application.

Sources:

http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soilfert/npk.htm

http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/e-896.htm