Abstract: A method is provided for reducing ammonia volatilization loss from ammoniated fertilizers and urea-containing fertilizers which have been applied to the surface of the soil. The fertilizer is applied in the presence of a water soluble compound that (a) has a saturated solution pH between about 5.0 to about 8.0 and (b) in a hydrolyzing system with the soil and the fertilizer will form carbonates having a solubility above about 10.sup.-10 grams per liter. The amount of the water soluble compound is that which is sufficient to suppress the formation of hydroxyl ions that otherwise would be produced in the soil according to the reactionYCO.sub.3 +H.sub.2 O.revreaction.Y(OH).sub.2 +CO.sub.2with Y=calcium or magnesium.