Features of the use of ammonium sulfate in agriculture

Ammonium sulfate of synthetic origin is a nitrogen-sulfate substance. Nitrogen present in mineral plant supplements is very important for all crops. Sulfur is one of the main nutrients for agricultural plants and it is part of amino acids and proteins. In terms of its role in plant nutrition, sulfur ranks third, and the former is traditionally given nitrogen and phosphorus. Large amounts of sulfur in plants are represented by salts of sulfuric acid, so ammonium sulfate is indispensable because of its properties. Ammonium is characterized by low mobility, presence in its composition and is not washed from the soil. Therefore, it makes sense to use ammonium sulfate solution not only as a basic fertilizer, but also as a spring feeding.

Due to the lack of sulfur in the soil, the efficiency of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium compounds is significantly reduced. Timely application of ammonium sulfate (granular, crystalline) gives excellent results in areas where rapeseed, potatoes, cereals, sugar beets are grown. On an industrial scale, sulfur deficiency in grain is interpreted as a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Using ammonium sulfate in crop fields can simultaneously eliminate sulfur and nitrogen deficiencies and consequently improve the quality of agricultural products.

Description and important properties of fertilizers

In chernozems, ammonium sulfate is more effective than other nitrogen fertilizers. Given that its price is lower than the price of urea and ammonium nitrate, the advantages of using it are clear. Of the various sulfur fertilizers used in Russia, synthetic ammonium sulfate contains more nitrogen.

The use of nitrogen fertilizers with an unbalanced content leads to environmental problems. This is an increase in nitrate levels in agricultural products, water pollution. Urea and nitrate fertilizers are also leached from the soil, resulting in a 20-30% nitrogen loss from the applied fertilizer volume. Even in the case of surface application as a result of the decomposition of ammonium sulfate, the loss of nitrogen does not exceed 3%, which is significantly lower than the loss of ammonia from urea and ammonium nitrate.

The exact composition and formula of the drug

The chemical formula of ammonium sulfate (NH₄) is ₂SO₂. It is a colorless and odorless crystalline inorganic compound. To produce the substance, the ammonia solution is exposed to sulfuric acid or an exchange reaction with other salts is applied. In addition to its active use in the agricultural industry, ammonium sulfate is used in the food industry, in the production of viscose, in the chlorination of drinking water, and in the biochemical purification of proteins.

The article is characterized by low toxicity. Sulfur and nitrogen are the main constituents of ammonium sulfate. Fertilizers are considered necessary in grain growing, as well as in vegetable growing and viticulture. Nitrogen in the form of ammonium is absorbed much better and faster by crops than in the form of nitrate. The greatest impact can be seen on untreated plots and neglected areas. There you can grow record crops. In crop fields, ammonium is converted to nitrates during dissociation.

Why are cultivated plants used

If we consider which of the plants should be supplied with ammonium sulfate first, the use of fertilizers is recommended for the following crops:

with a special need for sulfur – rapeseed and buckwheat, corn, various types of cabbage, wheat and sunflower;
prefer nitrogen in the form of ammonium instead of nitrate – sugar beets and potatoes, various fodder crops;
in slightly acidic soils – flax, tea, tomatoes, carrots and squash, radishes and pumpkins, parsley and sorrel, radishes and turnips, as well as raspberries and gooseberries show high yields.

It is advisable to use the fertilizer in spring and autumn – so the ingredients are evenly distributed in the soil. In addition to the fact that ammonium sulfate is used as the main fertilizer, it is very good for seasonal fertilization, provided that the composition is carefully adjusted by field-spreading machines.

Recommended methods of application

Given that about 80% of Russia’s arable land is characterized by sulfur deficiency, it is not surprising that plants have problems with the synthesis of fats, sugars and proteins. Nitrogen fertilizers with a lack of sulfur lead to the accumulation of nitrates in the soil, a 40% decrease in photosynthesis and a slowdown in plant growth.

Depending on the needs of some crops, it is recommended to follow the following standards and methods of working with ammonium sulfate:

Spring rapeseed. Offer to grow up to 80 kg / ha simultaneously with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. At the time of budding – up to 40 kg / ha, at the end of budding – up to 10 kg / ha of copper, which contains manganese in the leaves.
Buckwheat. In the process of pre-determination of cultivation – 60–80 kg / ha at the same time with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
Corn. Offer to cultivate the soil up to 120 kg / ha with potassium, phosphorus and various organic fertilizers. From 6 true leaves in the process of row spacing – up to 50 kg / ha.
Spring cereals (barley and wheat, millet, oats). Propose simultaneous cultivation of 60 to 80 kg / ha with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
Potatoes. Cultivation before planting – in parallel with organic, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers from 80 to 100 kg / ha.
Pastures. The first application is in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season – up to 80 kg / ha, then – each time after grazing.
Fruit growing. Raspberry and gooseberries – up to 60 g / m2, other fruit and berry crops – up to 50 g / m2.
Growing vegetables. On the basis of 1 m2 the following standards are recommended: white cabbage and cauliflower – 60 and 45 g each, red cabbage and broccoli – 75 and 45 g, kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts – 40 and 60 g, respectively, radish – 35 g, radish – 30 g. , turnips – 25 g, sorrel and parsley – 40 g each, carrots, pumpkin and squash – 35 g each, tomatoes – up to 45 g, other vegetables – up to 50 g.

In any case, application rates vary depending on soil warming, growing season, soil composition.

Storage rules and basic precautions

Storage standards and safety precautions when working with chemicals are regulated by instructions for use. Ammonium sulfate is stored in a dry and clean environment, the room should be ventilated. Material packages are tightly closed and separated from other chemicals.

A reduced risk level for calcium and ammonium sulfates is determined, but this does not mean that the substance is completely safe, especially if it is ingested in large amounts by humans and animals. Ammonium fertilizers are stored in specialized rooms equipped with household appliances. You can store packages with ammonium phosphate, potassium chloride nearby.

Growing perennial shrubs and trees, vegetables and fruits is impossible without caring for crops and soil. One of the available methods of restoring, mineralizing and improving the soil composition is the application of mineral fertilizers, including ammonium sulfate.

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