Ammonium Sulphate: A Fertilizer with 3 Essential Nutrients

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Ammonium Sulphate: A Fertilizer with 3 Essential Nutrients

1. Introduction

Ammonium sulphate is a versatile fertilizer that provides nitrogen, sulphur, and magnesium to plants. It has been widely used in agriculture for over a century and remains a popular choice among farmers and gardeners today.

2. Benefits of Ammonium Sulphate

ammonium sulphate as fertilizer

Ammonium sulphate offers several key benefits for plant growth:

Nitrogen: Essential for photosynthesis, growth, and development.
Sulphur: Improves protein synthesis, seed production, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Magnesium: Assists in chlorophyll production, photosynthesis, and energy storage.

3. Chemical Composition

Ammonium sulphate has the following chemical composition:

Element	Percentage
Nitrogen (N)	21.0%
Sulphur (S)	24.0%
Magnesium (Mg)	11.0%

4. Applications

Ammonium sulphate is suitable for a wide range of crops, including:

Cereals: Wheat, rice, maize, barley
Vegetables: Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots
Fruits: Apples, citrus, grapes
Ornamentals: Flowers, shrubs, trees

5. Usage Guidelines

When using ammonium sulphate, follow these guidelines:

Application rates: Application rates vary depending on the crop, soil conditions, and plant stage. Consult with an agricultural specialist for specific recommendations.
Timing: Apply ammonium sulphate during the vegetative growth stage for optimum uptake.
Placement: Broadcast or band fertilizer around the base of plants. Avoid direct contact with foliage.

6. Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Provides three essential nutrients: nitrogen, sulphur, and magnesium.
Highly soluble and easily absorbed by plants.
Improves soil pH balance.
Affordable and widely available.

Disadvantages:

Can acidify soils over time.
May cause salt build-up in poorly drained soils.
Not suitable for all crops, particularly those sensitive to high nitrogen levels.

7. Future Applications

Ammonium Sulphate: A Fertilizer with 3 Essential Nutrients

Researchers are exploring new applications for ammonium sulphate beyond traditional agriculture. One promising area is its use as a soil acidifier in precision agriculture. By targeting specific areas of a field that require pH adjustment, ammonium sulphate can optimize nutrient availability and crop yield.

8. Tables

Table 1: Ammonium Sulphate Application Rates for Cereals

Crop	Application Rate (kg/ha)	N Rate (kg/ha)
Wheat	150-200	31.5-42
Rice	100-150	21-31.5
Maize	200-300	42-63
Barley	150-200	31.5-42

Table 2: Sulphur Content of Ammonium Sulphate

Source	Sulphur Content (%)
Ammonium Sulphate	24.0
Elemental Sulphur	90.0
Gypsum	18.0

Table 3: Magnesium Content of Ammonium Sulphate

Source	Magnesium Content (%)
Ammonium Sulphate	11.0
Magnesium Sulphate	16.0
Dolomite	6.0

Table 4: Soil Acidification Potential of Ammonium Sulphate

Fertilizer	Equivalent Acidifying Capacity (kg CaCO3/kg)
Ammonium Sulphate	0.75
Urea	0.50
Diammonium Phosphate	0.30

9. Conclusion

Ammonium sulphate is a valuable fertilizer that has been used successfully in agriculture for generations. Its unique combination of nutrients, solubility, and affordability make it a popular choice among farmers and gardeners. As research continues to uncover new applications, ammonium sulphate is poised to remain an essential tool in modern agriculture.

10. Questions for Engagement

Have you ever used ammonium sulphate as a fertilizer? If so, what were the results?
What are your thoughts on the potential future applications of ammonium sulphate?
What other fertilizers do you use on your plants?