We’ve all heard of regular lawn fertilizers, but what about lawn supplements and organic feeds? Ironite is a common name for those looking for alternatives to common fertilizers. These two manufacturers claim that their products have many benefits for your lawn. So which is better, Ironite or Milorganite, and which is the best fit for your lawn’s needs? Well, let’s take a closer look and see what all the fuss is about.
Ironite and Milorganite (The Short Answer).
Ironite is an organic lawn fertilizer. It contains 1-0-0 NPK with 20 percent iron. Milorganite, an organic slow release fertilizer, has a 6-4-0 NPK content and 2.5% iron. Ironite is a high iron fertilizer that can strengthen grass, improve color, and increase growth. Milorganite, on one hand, is a mixture of a higher nitrogen level and a healthy dose of iron to improve coloration and increase growth.
Ironite and Milorganite (An Overview).
Ground conditions, sunshine, and watering are sometimes not enough to get the lush, green lawn we’re all trying hard to achieve. When they need extra help, most people resort to fertilizers and other supplements. So, here’s what you need to know when comparing Ironite vs Milorganite.
| Ironite 1-0-0 NPK | Milorganite 6-4-0 NPK |
|---|---|
| Lawn Supplement | Lawn fertilizer |
| 100% Rapid Release Content | Slow Release Content 65% of Nitrogen |
| Iron Content 20% | Iron Content 2.5% |
| Nitrogen Content 1% | Nitrogen Content 6% |
| Phosphorus Content: 0% | 4% Content of Phosphorus |
| Potassium Content 1% | Potassium Content 0% |
| Iron Supplement to Boost Leaf Color | Fertilizer to Boost Root Color and Growth |
| Results in 2-3 days | Result in 1-2 weeks |
Now that you see how Ironite vs Milorganite compare, let’s take a look at the individual items and see what they actually mean.
What is a Fertilizer, and how does it work
Lawn fertilizers can either be artificial or natural combinations of the main chemical components: potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P). To improve grass’ growth and productivity, fertilizer also contains trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron(Fe), molybdenum [Mo]Manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), These elements are essential to healthy grass.
What is a supplement and how does it work.
Supplements are products that contain additional elements, such as Ironite’s 20% iron (Fe), in higher quantities than fertilizers to directly tackle soil nutrient deficiency.
What is Slow Release?
Slow release fertilizers are made with coatings such as plastic resin or sulfur-based polymer. These coatings can be easily broken down by soil temperature, moisture and surface area. This means that lawns receive nutrients throughout the entire life of the coating. It will take between 6-8 weeks for slow-release fertilizers to fully dissolve.
What is Fast release?
Fast-release fertilizers and supplements don’t use any coatings. The chemicals are immediately absorbed by the grass. This is a great choice if your lawn requires immediate nutrients. However fast release fertilizers or supplements don’t last long.
What does Iron do to Lawn Grasses?
To make chlorophyll in grass, iron is used. Chlorophyll gives grass its green color. The grass also uses chlorophyll to harness sunlight to make sugar and enzymes. For lawn grass health, iron is vital.
What does Nitrogen do?
Like iron nitrogen promotes the production of and maintenance of chlorophyll during photosynthesis. Nitrogen will give your lawn a serious growth spurt if used efficiently, and is a vital part of the lawn’s feeding program.
What does phosphatus do for us?
Phosphorus, a primary nutrients, is what gives energy to lawngrasses. It improves grass energy and promotes healthy root systems.
By adding phosphorus, your lawn will be able absorb nutrients from the soil. A lawn with a weak root system will struggle to thrive in all aspects. It is vital to ensure that you have phosphorus in your soil when you try to establish roots.
What does Potassium do?
Potassium is crucial for combating stress, drought and diseases. Environmental conditions, such as hot summer days and cold winter freezes, pose serious risks to grasses that don’t have a line of defense. Lawn disease, fungus, and other diseases can impact lawn strength. Lawns with sufficient potassium levels have a higher resistance to stress, and a greater immunity to adverse conditions and intrusions.
Ironite & Milorganite (A Comparison).
Now that you understand all the scientific jargon, let’s look at how to use each product and what results to expect.
Application
Both Ironite as well as Milorganite can both be spread on both wheels or in hand spreaders. Spreaders use a universal scale to calibrate dispersions according the application rate. This depends on the application rate. So, check the directions on the package’s label and set your spreader accordingly.
Accelerated Nutrient Food
Ironite is a fast-release fertilizer that your lawn absorbs right away. It takes around a day for nutrients in the soil and to reach the roots. Milorganite, however, slowly releases and can take up to a week for the coating to dissolve before nutrients can reach the grass.
The Visible Results
You’ll quickly see a difference in the color of the grass blades if you choose to use Ironite. Ironite contains iron (Fe), which will immediately address the yellow-colored blades and leave the rest alone.
Milorganite has a more general effect, and after a few weeks, you’ll notice the change in blade color plus a boost in growth. The nitrogen in Milorganite makes lawn grass grow and fill in much quicker than you’ll be used to, so if you decide to go this route, expect to get the mower out pretty soon.
How Many Times Do You Apply?
Milorganite recommends spreading the product four times a calendar year. This is true for both warm-season and cool-season grasses. Ironite recommends you use their product no more than four times per year but not more that ten.
Which is the best for your lawn?
Now it’s time for the big question; which is better, Ironite or Milorganite? Well, if you want to know with 100% confidence which to use, then I’d strongly recommend testing the soil beneath your lawn. Soil test results give accurate readings of the soil’s nutrient levels and eliminate any guesswork. It can be just the same problem as overfeeding lawn grass.
However, if you don’t have the option to have a soil test carried out, you will have to inspect your yard and figure out what it needs.
Based on my experience, I prefer two conditions for my lawn. 1. Healthy, lush lawn without color. 2. Weak, struggling lawn with little colour.
Ironite with its 20% iron content (Fe) would be the best option for a lawn that is lacking color. For a lawn that is struggling in a bunch of areas, then I’d opt for the Milorganite. As I mentioned, a soil analysis will eliminate all guesswork. You may also need another Ironite source.
Is it possible to combine ironite with milorganite?
Technically, you can use them both simultaneously. However, this is not practical. Each product is unique and focuses on different issues. Using both products at the same time won’t actually produce better results. It is important to first understand the problem and then choose the right product.
