Introduction
Nitrogen fertilizers play a decisive role in global agriculture, mining, and chemical industries. Among them, urea and ammonium nitrate are two of the most widely used nitrogen-based compounds. Although both serve as essential nitrogen sources, their chemical composition, physical properties, performance, safety profile, and application scenarios differ significantly.
Understanding the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate is critical for farmers, industrial buyers, mining companies, government agencies, and chemical distributors seeking cost efficiency, safety compliance, and performance optimization. This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven comparison, supported by research data tables, and concludes with a professional recommendation for a reliable global supplier.
Chemical Composition and Basic Characteristics
The most fundamental difference between urea and ammonium nitrate lies in their chemical structure and nitrogen form.
Chemical Composition Comparison
| Parameter | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CO(NH₂)₂ | NH₄NO₃ |
| Nitrogen Content | ~46% | ~34–35% |
| Nitrogen Form | Amide nitrogen | Ammonium + Nitrate nitrogen |
| Molecular Weight | 60 g/mol | 80 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline/prilled solid | White granular/prilled solid |
Key Insight:
Urea has the highest nitrogen concentration among solid nitrogen fertilizers, while ammonium nitrate offers dual nitrogen forms, allowing faster plant uptake and industrial reactivity.
If you are also interested in the differences between calcium ammonium nitrate and urea, you can read this article: Calcium Ammonium Nitrate vs Urea
Nitrogen Release and Agronomic Efficiency
One of the most discussed aspects in the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate is nitrogen availability.
Urea must first be converted by soil enzymes (urease) into ammonium before plants can absorb it.
Ammonium nitrate provides immediate nitrate nitrogen and stable ammonium nitrogen, ensuring faster and more predictable performance.
Nitrogen Availability and Release Behavior
| Aspect | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Availability | Slow | Fast |
| Conversion Required | Yes (hydrolysis) | No |
| Loss Risk | High (volatilization) | Low |
| Performance in Cold Soil | Moderate | Excellent |
Research data shows that ammonium nitrate can achieve 10–20% higher nitrogen use efficiency than surface-applied urea in cooler or neutral soil conditions.
Read the following two articles to learn about the applications of urea in different crops:
The Application of Urea Fertilizer for Apple Trees
Analysis of Urea Fertilizer for Rose Plants
Physical Properties and Storage Behavior
Storage stability is another major differentiator.
Physical and Storage Properties
| Property | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Hygroscopicity | Moderate | High |
| Caking Tendency | Medium | High (if untreated) |
| Water Solubility (20°C) | 545 g/L | 1180 g/L |
| Thermal Stability | High | Lower |
Ammonium nitrate’s high solubility makes it ideal for solutions and industrial formulations, while urea’s thermal stability supports bulk storage in agricultural environments.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
Safety is one of the most critical differences between urea and ammonium nitrate, particularly in industrial and export contexts.
Urea is non-explosive and faces minimal regulatory restrictions.
Ammonium nitrate is classified as a dangerous good due to its oxidizing and explosive potential under improper conditions.
Safety and Regulation Comparison
| Factor | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Explosive Risk | None | High (under misuse) |
| Transport Regulation | Standard | Strict (UN 1942 / UN 2067) |
| Military & Mining Use | No | Yes |
| Government Oversight | Low | Very High |
Only licensed and government-approved manufacturers are allowed to export ammonium nitrate safely and legally.
Industrial and Mining Applications
Beyond agriculture, ammonium nitrate plays a critical role in mining, construction, and military industries.
Application Scenarios
| Industry | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Widely used | Widely used |
| Explosives (ANFO) | Not applicable | Core raw material |
| Chemical Synthesis | Limited | Extensive |
| Specialty Gases | No | Yes |
Porous Prilled Ammonium Nitrate (PPAN) is especially valued in mining due to:
High oil absorption
Strong detonation velocity
Uniform porosity
Cost Efficiency and Economic Performance
Although urea has higher nitrogen content, ammonium nitrate often provides better economic efficiency per unit of effective nitrogen, especially in industrial or high-performance scenarios.
Cost and Efficiency Overview (Indicative Data)
| Metric | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Cost per Ton | Lower | Higher |
| Application Loss | Higher | Lower |
| Total Effective Nitrogen | Medium | High |
| Industrial ROI | Low | Very High |
For large-scale users such as mining companies and government projects, ammonium nitrate often delivers superior lifecycle value.
Environmental Impact Comparison
Environmental sustainability is increasingly important in fertilizer selection.
Urea is prone to ammonia volatilization, contributing to air pollution.
Ammonium nitrate reduces gaseous losses but requires careful handling to prevent runoff.
Environmental Impact
| Aspect | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia Emissions | High | Low |
| Nitrate Leaching | Medium | Medium |
| Carbon Footprint | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Precision Use | Limited | High |
Summary: Key Differences Between Urea and Ammonium Nitrate
Overall Comparison Summary
| Dimension | Urea | Ammonium Nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Content | Very High | High |
| Speed of Action | Slow | Fast |
| Safety Level | Very High | Controlled |
| Industrial Use | Limited | Extensive |
| Export Complexity | Low | High |
| Performance Stability | Medium | Excellent |
Choosing the Right Product for Your Needs
The choice between urea and ammonium nitrate depends on:
Application scenario
Safety and regulatory environment
Performance requirements
Supplier reliability
For high-performance fertilizers, mining explosives, specialty chemicals, and government-level procurement, ammonium nitrate—when supplied by a qualified manufacturer—is often the superior choice.
View related products:
Why San Corporation Is the Trusted Global Choice
Founded in 2002, San Corporation has grown into China’s largest ammonium nitrate exporting enterprise and operates China’s largest ammonium nitrate production base. It is also one of the few companies officially approved by the National Defense Department for exporting dangerous goods.
Core Strengths of San Corporation
Annual ammonium nitrate capacity: ~1.2 million tons
Export volume: 80,000 tons annually (since 2012)
Advanced technology: Patented technologies from Germany, Japan, France, Norway, and other countries
Product range:
Porous Prilled Ammonium Nitrate (PPAN)
Chemical Pure Ammonium Nitrate
Urea
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate
Calcium Nitrate
Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution
Industry-Leading PPAN Performance
| Indicator | San PPAN | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Water Content | ≤0.05% | ≤0.2% |
| Oil Absorption | 12–14% | ~9% |
| Detonation Velocity | >3200 m/s | ~2800 m/s |
| Caking Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
San Corporation also pioneered Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution production in China, with an annual capacity of 300,000–400,000 tons, demonstrating strong R&D capability.
Conclusion
The difference between urea and ammonium nitrate extends far beyond nitrogen content. It encompasses chemical behavior, safety, efficiency, industrial usability, and regulatory complexity. While urea remains suitable for basic agricultural use, ammonium nitrate offers unmatched performance for advanced agricultural, industrial, and mining applications.
When sourcing ammonium nitrate, supplier qualification, technology level, and safety approval are critical. With its scale, government authorization, advanced technology, and proven export experience, San Corporation stands out as a reliable global partner, delivering high-quality products at competitive prices with secure service.
For global distributors, military buyers, government agencies, and large mining companies seeking long-term, high-volume cooperation, San Corporation is a partner you can trust.
If you would like to purchase ammonium nitrate or urea, please contact San Corporation.
