Milorganite vs Ironite: What Are the Differences and Which One to Use
Ironite and Milorganite are two common types of fertilizer. They are both made from recycled materials, but there are some important differences between them.
Ironite is made from iron ore that has been smelted and then mixed with other minerals. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is high in iron and other nutrients. It is often used to correct iron deficiency in plants.
Milorganite is made from sewage sludge that has been treated and then composted. It is a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and other nutrients. It is often used as a general purpose fertilizer.
Here are some of the key differences between Milorganite and Ironite:
What is Milorganite?
Milorganite is one of the branded lawn care fertilizer that is composed of heat-dried microbes. Milorganite is the primitive chemical-organic blend that is used to improve the quality of the soil. Milorganite is safe to use as it is 85% organic and 15% synthetic. Without it, the possibility of burning down the lawn for using the milorganite is very low.
Because the making process of milorganite is a bit natural. At first, wastewater from the district is collected and microbes are left in that waster water. Once the nutrients collection is done, then the water is sent back. Now, the microbes are dried and ready to serve the lawn.
However, the working procedure of the milorganite is a bit slow and you won’t see any immediate progress. Milorganite starts working when microbial activity takes place. You may know that microbial activity takes place when the temperature is approximately 55 to 85F. The Milorganite will start delivering the nutrients when the soil will reach this temperature.
This is the scenario for an ideal soil condition. It may differ according to the soil condition.
What is Ironite?
Well, Ironite is not actually a fertilizer. Basically, it is a nutrient lawn supplement that is used as an additive while applying lawn fertilizer. Nitrogen, Manganese and potassium are added for giving the lawn a healthy boost. Basically. the Ironite is used to “re-green” the lawn once it starts getting yellow. The working procedure of the ironite is very fast and the result can be seen quickly.
However, Ironite comes in two forms. They are 1) Liquid ironite 2) Granular ironite. Both of the forms are similarly favorable. You just need to use them according to the requirements. Ironite works balancing the PH which returns a great result.
Granular Ironite: The Granular ironite is compatible with both normal to clayey soils. Granular ironite starts working once it is spread and watered.
Liquid ironite: The liquid ironite is the special one for alkaline and sandy soils. This form of ironite is ideal for this kind of soil as it is much easier absorbing the liquid fertilizer instead of the granular one.
Milorganite vs Ironite
Manufacturer: The manufacturer of Milorganite is Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Pennington seed incorporated is the manufacturer of ironite.
Fertilizer or nutritional supplement: Milorganite is a fertilizer. On the other hand, ironite can be named as a nutritional supplement.
Organic or inorganic: The milorganite is 85% organic and 15% synthetic, whereas the ironite is totally inorganic.
The ratio: Milorganite consists of 5% nitrogen, 32% potassium and 2% phosphorus. Again, ironite consists of 12% iron, 1% potassium and 1% nitrogen. That’s why the ironite is not called a fertilizer.
Objective and Ingredients: The objective of using milorganite is to strengthen the root of the lawn over time. Milorganite helps to green up the grass level at a steady level. As supposed to, the ironite is used when the lawn turns yellow. Ironite is used to re-green the lawn.
Harsh Chemical Agents: Milorganite does not contain any harsh chemicals, whereas the ironite contains several harsh chemicals.
Safety Measures: Milorganite is safe and no safety measure is required. Again, the ironite is 100% synthetic and contains some harsh components. That’s why it is highly recommended wearing full sleeves, gloves, long pants while spreading the ironite.
Consistent & Long-term results: If you used to feed your lawn through their roots, then using milorganite will return you a consistent result and also will make a long-term impact. On the other hand, ironite behave like an energy drink on the lawn. Ironite will provide a quick energy boost.
Application: Milorganite can be applied four times in a year. Ironite can be used at least four times a year.
Overdose: Excessive use of milorganite will not burn the lawn. But, excessive use of ironite can burn the lawn.
Soil test: The milorganite can be applied without a soil test. On the other hand, ironite can’t be applied without a soil test. A soil test is a must for ironite.
Availability: Finding milorganite is a bit hard, whereas finding ironite is easy.
How fast it works: Milorganite takes 7 to 8 days for showing results. On the other hand, ironite takes two or three weeks for showing results.
Advantages: Milorganite strengthens the lawn roots, expose green color and improves the soil. Again, Ironite works for balancing the PH levels, fulfilling nutrients deficiency and promoting healths.
End Results: Both Milorganite and ironite returns green healthier lawns as an end result.
Which One to Use: Milorganite or Ironite
Well, both milorganite and ironite are great for lawns’ health. But, depending on some perspective the result can be different. So, here I am providing a basic outline depending on which you can understand which one you should use.
For Greener Lawns:
Well, your lawn has started getting yellow? Do you want to get them back in green?
Ironite is the answer to your all questions. Ironite promises to get your lawn back into the green with its first acting formula. You will get the result within a week even sometimes within a few days.
Ironite comprises the perfect amount of nutrients that helps the lawn getting back into the green. So, if your lawn starts turning yellow, then you should use ironite in this case.
For Soil improved soil quality:
Apart from getting the lawn back, if you are planning to get a product that will also feed your lawn along with turning the lawn into the green. In this case, Milorganite is the best option for you. Milorganite is an organic product that does not contain any harsh metals that will do harm to the lawns.
The ultimate purpose of using the milorganite is to improve soil quality. It works with the soil and feeds the lawn nutrient when need. Milorganite can be used frequently rather than the ironite.
Eco-friendly and sustainable lawn solution:
Well, both milorganite and ironite work for the improvement of the lawn. Now, the question is that which one is more eco-friendly?
Obviously, milorganite is more eco-friendly. Milorganite is an organic product that does not contain any kind of harsh component. It is made of recycled nutrients from wastewater. So, you can imagine how eco-friendly it is. Whatever using both milorganite and ironite is safe for the lawn.
For a shortage of nutrients:
If you are looking for a product that will recover the shortage of your nutrients, then there are so many ways to help you.
Usually, the goal of using ironite is to improve the quality of the lawn having iron deficiencies. So, ironite can recover this kind of shortage. Again, the milorgante also provides the same recovery.
