Ammonium Sulfate
Ammonium sulfate remains one of the most popular nitrogen fertilizers used worldwide. As a fertilizer for alkaline soils, ammonium has many applications. Ammonium ion, when released in the soil, generates a small quantity of acid that decreases the soil’s pH while also providing necessary nitrogen for plant growth. Transport expenses are increased due to ammonium sulphate’s low nitrogen concentration as compared to ammonium nitrate.
Spray adjuvant for water-soluble insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides in agriculture. Iron and calcium cations, which are found in both well water and plant cells, are bound by this compound, allowing them to be taken up by the plant. As an additive to 2,4-D, glyphosate, or glufosinate herbicides, it proves highly efficient.
Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer
- An additional nitrogen fertilizer is ammonium sulfate, whose chemical reaction is 4.
- It’s a manure that has an acidic PH. Because of its acidic makeup, it thrives in alkaline soils.
- That works out to around 21 percent. In addition to this, it is a sulfate-based fertilizer. On average, it has a sulfur level of 24 percent.
- It dissolves in water similarly to other nitrogenous fertilizers.
- In addition, the presence of sulfur components makes it very useful for oilseed crops.
How to Produce Sulfate Fertilizer
Production of ammonium sulfate dates back more than 150 years. Historically, it was produced from the byproduct of coal gas (which was used to light cities) or coal coke (which was used to create steel). Today, it is produced by heating ammonia and reacting it with sulfuric acid. They regulate the parameters of the process by screening and drying the particles until they reach the desired size, which is the crystal size best suited for the application. Conditioner coatings are used on some materials to lessen the effects of dust and caking.
The majority of today’s demand for ammonium sulfate is met by industrial byproducts from a wide range of sectors. Ammonium sulfate is created as a byproduct during the production of nylon, for instance. One more typical usage for ammonium sulphate is in agricultural applications, and it is produced by reacting ammonia or wasted sulfuric acid with sulfate. Ammonium sulfate is typically offered as a highly soluble crystal with excellent storage qualities, despite its hue ranging from white to beige.
Ammonium Sulphate Formula
The chemical representation of ammonium sulfate is (NH4)2SO4. It consists of two ammonium ions (NH4+) and one sulfate ion (SO4^2-).
Ammonium Sulfate Molar Mass
The molar mass of ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 can be calculated by adding up the molar masses of its individual elements. Here’s the breakdown: The molar mass of ammonium (NH4) can be calculated as follows:
- Nitrogen (N) has a molar mass of approximately 14.01 g/mol.
- Hydrogen (H) has a molar mass of approximately 1.01 g/mol.
- So, the molar mass of NH4 is 14.01 g/mol (N) + 4 * 1.01 g/mol (H) = 14.01 g/mol + 4.04 g/mol = 18.05 g/mol.
- The molar mass of sulfate (SO4) can be calculated as follows:
- Sulfur (S) has a molar mass of approximately 32.07 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O) has a molar mass of approximately 16.00 g/mol.
- So, the molar mass of SO4 is 32.07 g/mol (S) + 4 * 16.00 g/mol (O) = 32.07 g/mol + 64.00 g/mol = 96.07 g/mol.
Now, to find the molar mass of (NH4)2SO4, you add the molar masses of ammonium and sulphate together:
- Molar mass of (NH4)2SO4 = 2 * molar mass of NH4 + molar mass of SO4
- Molar mass of (NH4)2SO4 = 2 * 18.05 g/mol + 96.07 g/mol
- Molar mass of (NH4)2SO4 = 36.10 g/mol + 96.07 g/mol
- Molar mass of (NH4)2SO4 = 132.17 g/mol
So, the molar mass of ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, is approximately 132.17 grams per mole.
Advantages of Ammonium Sulphate
Ammonium sulfate has minimal hygroscopicity and chemical stability as its key benefits. It’s an excellent N and S source. If the soil is acidic and needs liming anyhow, or if the nitrogen rates are too high. Its use may be counterproductive. In addition, when using the direct application as a source of N, far more S is applied accidentally than is needed by most crops.
Today, ammonium sulphate is available in granular form, making it convenient for use in bulk blending with other fertilizer components and simple to handle. When the particle size of the product is mismatched with the N, P, and K materials in a bulk blend, segregation issues can arise. Maintaining tight control over the consistency and size of the ammonium sulphate used in blends might help mitigate this issue.
What Plants Benefit From Ammonium Sulfate
Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 is a common fertilizer that provides essential nutrients to plants. It contains nitrogen and sulfur, both of which are important for plant growth. However, not all plants benefit equally from ammonium sulfate, and its use should be considered in the context of your specific soil conditions and the nutritional needs of your plants.
Plants that generally benefit from ammonium sulfate include: Ammonium sulfate is acidic and can help lower the pH of the soil, making it more suitable for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. These plants thrive in slightly acidic conditions. Ammonium sulphate is a good source of both nitrogen and sulfur. Plants that exhibit signs of nitrogen and sulfur deficiency, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor fruit development, can benefit from its application. Ammonium sulphate is a fast-release nitrogen fertilizer. It provides a quick supply of nitrogen to plants, making it suitable for crops that require a rapid nutrient boost, like corn, wheat, and other grains.
It’s important to note that while ammonium sulfate can be beneficial for these plants, its use should be carefully managed. Excessive application can lead to soil acidification and potential harm to soil organisms. Additionally, it’s essential to conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs of your plants and ensure you’re applying the right amount of fertilizer. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines to avoid over-fertilization, which can be detrimental to both plants and the environment.
What Is Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer
Ammonium sulfate is a fertilizer that supplies plants with vital nitrogen and sulfur nutrients. It’s often used in agricultural settings to enhance the growth of crops. The chemical formula for ammonium sulfate is (NH4)2SO4. Here’s how it works:
Nitrogen Source: Ammonium sulfate is a good source of nitrogen, which is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, all of which are essential for plant development.
Sulfur Source: In addition to nitrogen, ammonium sulfate also provides sulfur. Sulfur is another important nutrient for plants, playing a role in the formation of certain amino acids and vitamins.
Soil Acidification: Ammonium sulfate has an acidifying effect on the soil, which can be beneficial in some cases. It lowers the pH of alkaline soils, making them more suitable for certain plants that prefer acidic conditions.
Farmers and gardeners use ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer to improve the nutrient content of the soil and promote healthy plant growth. It’s especially useful for crops that have high nitrogen and sulfur requirements, such as certain types of vegetables, grains, and fruits. It’s important to note that while ammonium sulfate is a valuable fertilizer, its use should be balanced with other nutrients to ensure that plants receive a complete range of essential elements for optimal growth. Additionally, excessive use of ammonium sulfate can contribute to soil acidification, so its application should be based on soil testing and specific crop requirements.
Is Ammonium Sulfate Organic
Ammonium sulfate is not considered organic. Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, typically in the form of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. These compounds are associated with living organisms and are commonly found in organic matter.
Ammonium sulphate, on the other hand, is an inorganic compound. It consists of ammonium ions (NH4+) and sulfate ions (SO4^2-), and it does not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. It is typically produced through chemical processes and is widely used in agriculture as a nitrogen fertilizer and in various industrial applications. While it contains nitrogen, which is an essential element for plant growth, it is not considered an organic compound due to its chemical composition and origin.
Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer Grade
Ammonium sulfate is a commonly used fertilizer that provides essential nutrients for plant growth. It is a good source of nitrogen and sulfur, both of which are crucial elements for plant development. The fertilizer grade of ammonium sulfate refers to its purity and composition, which is suitable for use in agriculture.
Fertilizer-grade ammonium sulfate typically contains about 20.5% nitrogen (N) and 24% sulfur (S). The nitrogen in ammonium sulfate is in the ammonium form, which is readily available for plant uptake. The sulfur content also provides a valuable nutrient for plants, as sulfur is essential for the synthesis of certain amino acids and proteins.
The chemical formula for ammonium sulfate is (NH₄)₂SO₄, indicating that it consists of two ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and one sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). This compound is water-soluble, making it easy to apply to the soil or as a foliar spray. Ammonium sulfate is commonly used on crops that require higher sulfur levels, such as oilseeds (canola, soybeans) and certain fruits and vegetables. It is also suitable for use on alkaline soils, where the acidic nature of ammonium sulfate can help lower the soil pH. When purchasing ammonium sulfate for fertilizer use, it’s important to look for products labeled as “fertilizer grade” to ensure they meet the specifications required for agricultural applications.