The Best Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer For A Healthy Lawn

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plants, essential for vibrant growth, photosynthesis, and overall health. When it comes to maintaining lush lawns with the growing awareness of sustainability and environmental health, using

organic nitrogen fertilizers is an excellent way to nurture your grass while improving soil structure and ensuring sustainability without harming the planet.

What Are Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers?

Organic nitrogen fertilizers are derived from natural resources, such as plant residues, animal byproducts, minerals, and composted organic matter.

Unlike synthetic materials, they release nitrogen slowly, preventing over-fertilization, ensuring long-term soil health, reducing the risk of runoff into water systems–a common issue with chemical fertilizers, improving soil structure, and fostering a healthy ecosystem by encouraging beneficial microbes.

These fertilizers not only provide nitrogen but also deliver other essential nutrients, like phosphorus and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth and development.

Organic fertilizers enrich the soil with essential organic matter, boosting its ability to retain water and nutrients. They are also safer for children, pets, and the environment.

Best Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers

Here’s a list of our favorite organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen:

Blood Meal

• Nutrient Content: High nitrogen organic fertilizer (12-0-0)

• Coverage: Ideal for small to medium lawns

• Average Price: $10-$20 per 3-pound bag

• Usage: Apply sparingly to avoid nitrogen burn.

• Advantages: Excellent for leafy vegetables and lawns needing a nitrogen boost.

• Ideal For: Quick nitrogen release.

Feather Meal

• Nutrient Content: Slow-release nitrogen (12-0-0)

• Coverage: Covers up to 350 square feet per 4-pound bag

• Average Price: $20-$30 per 4-pound bag

• Usage: Mix into the soil before planting.

• Advantages: Long-lasting nitrogen supply.

• Ideal For: Maintaining steady plant growth throughout the growing season.

Bone Meal

• Nutrient Content: High in phosphorus (4-12-0)

• Coverage: Covers 400 square feet per 5-pound bag

• Average Price: $13-$20 per 5-pound bag

• Usage: Apply during planting for root development.

• Advantages: Provides phosphorus and calcium.

• Ideal For: Flowering plants and lawns requiring phosphorus.

Alfalfa Meal

• Nutrient Content: Balanced nutrient mix (2-1-2)

• Coverage: Covers up to 250 square feet with 4 pounds

• Average Price: $15-$20 per 4-pound bag

• Usage: Spread evenly as a top dressing.

• Advantages: Contains potash and natural growth stimulants.

• Ideal For: General lawn and garden use.

Fish Emulsion

• Nutrient Content: Liquid fertilizer (5-1-1)

• Coverage: 2 to 4 oz concentrate per gallon of water to cover 1,000 square feet

• Average Price: $30-$40 per gallon

• Usage: Dilute with water for foliar spray.

• Advantages: Boosts plant growth and provides essential nutrients.

• Ideal For: Quick fixes for nitrogen-deficient plants.

Homemade Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers

Creating your own organic nitrogen fertilizers for those who prefer a DIY approach is an economical and eco-friendly option. Here are some effective recipes and tips:

Compost Tea

• Derived from: Well-aged food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings.
• Benefits: Rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, enriches the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Steps:
  • Fill a container with compost and add water in a 1:4 ratio.
  • Let it sit for 24-48 hours, occasionally stirring it.
  • Strain and apply the liquid to your lawn.

Coffee Grounds Fertilizer

• Derived from: Used coffee grounds.
• Benefits: A good source of nitrogen and organic matter, improves soil texture.
• Steps:
  • Collect used coffee grounds, mix them into the soil or compost, and spread them evenly over your lawn.
  • Lightly water the area to help them integrate into the soil.

Animal Manure Tea

• Derived from: Aged animal manure (horse manure, cow manure, or ) and water.
• Benefits: Provides a potent nitrogen boost that improves soil structure and is easy to make with readily available materials.
• Steps:
  • Place manure in a burlap sack and submerge it in a large bucket of water.
  • Let it steep for 3-5 days.
  • Compost thoroughly to prevent odor and harmful bacteria.
  • Use the liquid as a fertilizer for your lawn.

Grass Clippings Tea

• Derived from: Freshly mowed grass clippings and water.
• Benefits: Slowly releases nitrogen as it breaks down and recycles yard waste.
• Steps:
  • Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with grass clippings.
  • Add water to cover the clippings and let it steep for 3-5 days.
  • Strain the liquid and use it to water your lawn or leave it on the lawn.

Human Urine

• Derived from: Diluted urine (10:1 water-to-urine ratio).
• Benefits: Provides quickly available nitrogen.
• Steps: Spray on lawns or around plants that need emergency nitrogen boosts.

How to Use Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers Effectively

• Application rate: Follow recommended rates on packaging or apply sparingly to avoid overuse, which can burn plants.
• Timing: Apply during the active growing season (spring and fall) when nitrogen demand is highest for optimal absorption.
• Combination: Pair with composted materials and beneficial fungi for optimal results.
• Soil testing: Test soil regularly to monitor nitrogen levels and adjust fertilizer use accordingly.
• Watering: After fertilizing, give your lawn a thorough watering to ensure the nutrients seep deep into the soil.
• Consistency: Use organic fertilizers consistently for long-term improvements in soil and grass health.

Benefits of Using Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers

• Improves soil structure: Organic nitrogen fertilizers enhance soil structure, making it more accessible for roots to absorb nutrients and water.
• Slow release: They offer a slow-release source of nutrients, preventing nitrogen loss and minimizing the risk of over-fertilization.
• Environmentally friendly: By avoiding the chemicals in the synthetic options, these fertilizers protect the environment and encourage the presence of beneficial fungi and bacteria in the soil.
• Rich source of nutrients: They provide a rich source of nitrogen, along with micronutrients like calcium, fostering long-term soil health.

Comparing Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers

While synthetic fertilizers provide immediate nutrient availability, they often lack the long-term benefits of organics. Organic products improve soil structure, promote micro-nutrients, and support healthy ecosystems, making them ideal for both gardens and lawns.

Why Partner With SunCo?

Whether you opt for market products like blood meal and feather meal or homemade solutions like compost and coffee grounds, these organic fertilizers offer a natural, eco-friendly way to maintain vibrant lawns and gardens.

Managing your lawn’s health can be time-consuming, especially when striving for sustainability. SunCo specializes in services like weed control, fertilization, lawn maintenance, and sprinkler system management that can ensure your lawn receives the best care.

By partnering with a trusted Midwest lawn care company, you can enjoy a beautiful, eco-friendly lawn that enhances your property year-round. Contact us today to learn more about our assortment of lawn care services!

Call us at (402) 553-5204 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.