How to use ammonium sulfate as fertilizer?

Ammonium sulfate is a widely used nitrogen fertilizer that also provides sulfur, an essential nutrient for plant growth. It has been a staple in agriculture for decades due to its effectiveness and versatility. This article will explore the benefits of ammonium sulfate fertilizer, its applications, and best practices for its use in various agricultural and gardening settings.

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What is Ammonium Sulfate?

Ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] is an inorganic salt that contains 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur. It is highly soluble in water, making it easy for plants to absorb. Produced by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid, it results in a crystalline solid that can be applied directly to the soil or dissolved in water for liquid applications.

Benefits of Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer

1. Nitrogen Supply: Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, contributing to the development of leaves, stems, and overall plant vigor. Ammonium sulfate provides a readily available source of nitrogen that plants can quickly absorb.
2. Sulfur Addition: Sulfur is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes in plants. Ammonium sulfate supplies sulfur in a form that plants can easily use, promoting healthy growth and improving crop quality.
3. Soil Acidification: Ammonium sulfate can help lower the pH of alkaline soils, making it a valuable tool for managing soil conditions in regions with high pH levels. This acidifying effect can enhance nutrient availability and improve overall soil health.
4. Versatility: Ammonium sulfate is suitable for a wide range of crops, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and turf. Its solubility and ease of use make it a popular choice for both commercial agriculture and home gardening.

Read more: Types of Fertilizers

Applications of Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer

1. Field Crops: Ammonium sulfate is commonly used in the cultivation of field crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. It is typically applied during the growing season to support vegetative growth and boost yields.
2. Horticultural Crops: Fruits and vegetables benefit from the balanced nitrogen and sulfur supply provided by ammonium sulfate. It can be used as a top-dressing or incorporated into the soil before planting.
3. Turf and Lawns: Ammonium sulfate is often used to fertilize lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. Its quick-release nitrogen promotes lush, green growth, while the sulfur helps maintain soil health.
4. Specialty Crops: Crops with high sulfur requirements, such as onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and cabbage), benefit significantly from ammonium sulfate applications.

Best Practices for Using Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer

To maximize the benefits and minimize potential issues, follow these best practices when using ammonium sulfate fertilizer:

1. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies and pH levels before applying ammonium sulfate. This ensures the fertilizer is used effectively and appropriately.
2. Proper Timing: Apply ammonium sulfate during the growing season when plants are actively taking up nutrients. Split applications may be necessary for crops with extended growing periods.
3. Accurate Application Rates: Follow recommended application rates based on crop type, soil conditions, and nutrient needs. Over-application can lead to nutrient imbalances and environmental concerns.
4. Even Distribution: Apply ammonium sulfate evenly across the soil surface to ensure uniform nutrient availability. Use spreaders or other equipment designed for precise application.
5. Irrigation: Water the area thoroughly after applying ammonium sulfate to help dissolve the fertilizer and carry nutrients to the root zone. This also reduces the risk of fertilizer burn.
6. pH Management: Monitor soil pH regularly, especially in areas with naturally acidic soils, to avoid excessive acidification. Lime or other pH-adjusting amendments may be needed to maintain balanced soil conditions.

Read more:  Best Organic Fertilizer

Environmental Considerations

While ammonium sulfate is a valuable fertilizer, it&#;s essential to consider its environmental impact:

1. Leaching and Runoff: Excessive application can lead to nutrient leaching and runoff, contributing to water pollution and eutrophication. Use proper application techniques and rates to minimize these risks.
2. Soil Health: Regular use of ammonium sulfate can lower soil pH over time. Monitor soil conditions and apply lime or other amendments as needed to maintain soil health and prevent negative effects on crop growth.

Read more: Winterizer Fertilizer

Conclusion

Ammonium sulfate fertilizer is a versatile and effective tool for providing essential nitrogen and sulfur to plants. By understanding its benefits, applications, and best practices, farmers and gardeners can use ammonium sulfate to enhance plant growth, improve crop yields, and maintain soil health. Proper use of this fertilizer not only supports robust agricultural production but also contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Read more:  Benefits of All Purpose Fertilizer

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Related

Ammonium sulfate [(NH&#;)&#; SO&#;] was one of the first and most widely used nitrogen (N) fertilizers for crop production. It&#;s now less common but especially valuable where both N and sulfur (S) are required. Its high solubility provides versatility for a number of agricultural applications.

Production

Ammonium sulfate (sometimes abbreviated as AS or AMS) has been produced for more than 150 years. Initially, it was made from ammonia released during manufacturing coal gas (used to illuminate cities) or from coal coke used to produce steel.

Today, manufacturers make ammonium sulfate by reacting sulfuric acid with heated ammonia. To get the crystal size best suited for the application, reaction conditions are controlled by screening and drying the particles until achieving the desired size. Some materials are coated with a conditioner to reduce dust and caking.

Byproducts from various industries meet most of the current demand for ammonium sulfate. For example, the nylon manufacturing process produces ammonium sulfate as a co-product. In another, certain byproducts that contain ammonia or spent sulfuric acid are commonly converted to ammonium sulfate for use in agriculture.

Although the color can range from white to beige, ammonium sulfate is consistently sold as a highly soluble crystal with excellent storage properties. As described earlier, particle size can also vary depending on the intended purpose.

Chemical properties

• Chemical formula: (NH4)&#;SO&#;
• N content: 21%
• S content: 24%
• Water solubility: 750 g/L
• Solution pH: 5 to 6

Agricultural use

Growers apply ammonium sulfate primarily where they need supplemental N and S to meet the nutritional requirement of growing plants. Since ammonium sulfate contains only 21 percent N, other fertilizer sources more concentrated and economical to handle and transport often make a better choice for N-deficient fields. It provides an excellent source of S, which supports or drives numerous essential plant functions, including protein synthesis.

Because the N fraction is present in the ammonium form of ammonium sulfate, rice farmers frequently apply it to flooded soils, since nitrate-based fertilizers are a poor choice due to denitrification losses.

A solution containing dissolved ammonium sulfate is often added to post-emergence herbicide sprays to improve their effectiveness at weed control.

This practice of increasing herbicide efficacy with ammonium sulfate works particularly well when the water supply contains significant concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) or sodium (Na). A high-purity grade of ammonium sulfate often works best for this purpose to avoid plugging spray nozzles.

Management practices

After addition to soil, the ammonium sulfate rapidly dissolves into its ammonium and sulfate components. If it remains on the soil surface, the ammonium may be susceptible to gaseous loss in alkaline conditions. In these situations, agronomists advise incorporating the material into the soil as soon as possible. Other options include an ammonium sulfate application before irrigation or a predicted rainfall.

Most plants can utilize both ammonium and nitrate forms of N for growth. In warm soils, microbes will rapidly begin to convert ammonium to nitrate in the process of nitrification [2 NH&#;&#; + 3O&#; &#; 2NO&#;&#; + 2H&#;O + 4H&#;]. During this microbial reaction, acidity [H&#;] is released, which will ultimately decrease soil pH after repeated use.

Ammonium sulfate has an acidifying effect on soil due to the nitrification process, not from the presence of sulfate, which has a negligible effect on pH.

The acid-producing potential of ammonium sulfate is greater than the same N application from ammonium nitrate, for example. That&#;s because all of the N in ammonium sulfate converts to nitrate, compared with only half of the N from ammonium nitrate that converts to nitrate.

Non-agricultural uses

• Commonly added to bread products as a dough conditioner
• Component in fire extinguisher powder and flame-proofing agents
• Multiple purposes in the chemical, wood pulp, textile and pharmaceutical industries

Source: Nutrient Source Specifics, No. 12, International Plant Nutrition Institute.

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