|
Nitrogen Fertilizer -Ammonium Sulphate
|
|
| Importance of the Fertilizer | Ammonium Sulphate is one of the oldest sources of ammoniacal Nitrogen. It is used for direct application as both Nitrogen and Sulphur source. It is readily soluble and it is quickly taken up by growing plants and has an almost immediate, visible effect upon both the size and color of their leaves. It can be more conveniently applied to the field in humid condition than urea and ammonium nitrate. |
| Amount of Available Nutrients | Ammonium Sulphate contains 20.5 % Nitrogen. |
| Compatibility in fertilizer mixtures |
Ammonium Sulphate can be mixed with Murate of Potash, Potassium sulphate, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate, Super Phosphate and Ammonium Phosphate. It may be mixed with urea only prior to application. It can’t be mixed with Calcium carbonate. |
| Reaction of the Fertilizer in Soil | Ammonium Sulphate when applied in soil forms ammonium and sulphate ions which can be taken by the plants. Ammonium Sulphate reacts with soil colloids and replaces basic cations like calcium ions. Ultimately soil colloids become saturated with hydrogen ions and soil acidity increases. |
| Situations where Recommended | The strongly acid –forming reaction of ammonium sulphate in soil can be advantageous in high – p H soils and for acid- requiring crops such as tea. It is suitable to saline and alkaline conditions. But it is unsuitable to continuous use in acidic soils without liming. Broccoli , kale, spinach or lettuce and likewise any flowering plant in case of starvation can use ammonium sulphate.It is of greater benefit in cold, heavy and wet lands but unsuitable for light ,dry sandy soils . Ammonium sulphate can be applied before sowing, at sowing time, or as a top-dressing to the growing crop. it should not be applied along with, or too close to, the seed, because in concentrated form, it affects seed germination very adversely. |
| References | 1. Yawalkar, K. S., Agarwal, J. P., and Bokde, S., (1996) Manures and Fertilizers, Agri-Horticultural Publishing House, Nagpur |