Ammonium sulfate fertilizer: composition and effect

Private gardens as well as public parks and commercial businesses for growing vegetables are prepared for spring every year at the end of winter. So that the garden develops beautiful flowers all year round, the plants in the park sprout vigorously and the vegetables grow well on the farm, the right fertilizer is crucial. In this area, the use of ammonium sulfate has proven itself to promote the growth of plants in the long term.

Ammonium sulfate fertilizer

composition

Ammonium sulfate is a loose crystal product that contains the nitrogen in an ammonium form. The salt is harmless to the environment and approved in the EU as an additive E 517 for food. The extraction of Ammonium sulfate arises in a chemical process. The introduction of sulfuric acid turns the ammonia into the desired ammonium sulfate, which is well suited as a fertilizer. Alternatively, a combination of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water with gypsum is possible, which leads to the same result.

• inorganic ammonium salt of sulfuric acid
• Salt is crystalline and dissolves very well in water
• has no noticeable odor
• has either a white, gray or gray-beige color
• has acidic pH
• has easily degradable properties

effect

When there is a lack of nitrogen and sulfur, most plants lose their leaves. As a result, these often no longer bear fruit, and in the worst case they even die. Those contained in ammonium sulfate Ammonium ions provide the plants with vital nitrogen. This takes place in an energetically very favorable form, perfect for strong root growth. If the sulfur is supplied in the form of sulfate, then the plant can absorb it immediately. In this way, the important nutrient is available at the start of growth and positively favors plant development. A secure supply of the necessary nutrients ensures improved yields, especially with crops.

• supports the health and growth of plants
• increases the yield at harvest
• This enables the lawn to hold its own against clover, moss and weeds
• has only a moderate, but beneficial effect
• ideal as a pre-sowing fertilizer
• causes acidification of the soil at certain points
• promotes the availability of phosphate
• increases the absorption of micronutrients contained in the soil
• Sulfur has a fungicidal effect

application areas

Ammonium sulphate is used as a fertilizer in many areas, especially in gardens, parks and on farms for growing vegetables. When used in the kitchen garden, the yields can be increased significantly. If, for example, potatoes are fertilized with ammonium sulphate, then these produce far higher yields when harvested, which are also richer in starch. Since that fertilizer If the pH value in the soil drops, it is ideal for use in alkaline and neutral soils. If the soil is extremely acidic, it needs additional treatment to balance the acidity.

• Mix thoroughly with the soil as a pre-seed fertilizer
• when used on acidic soils, also limestone regularly
• is an important source of sulfur
• ideal as a fertilizer for plants that need a lot of sulfur
• these include rapeseed, corn, rye and wheat
• especially suitable for large areas
• mixes well with potassium-based fertilizers and compound fertilizers
• also fits with ammonium phosphate
• ideal for lawns, especially for large systems, e.g. B. Golf courses

Dosing

When calculating the Fertilizer dose Various factors must be taken into account so that the ammonium sulfate can develop its beneficial effect. If compost or manure is regularly added to this, the nitrogen supply should be reduced. To prevent overdosing, it is advisable to split up the fertilizer dose. The first part takes place at the beginning of the growing season and then another fertilization follows after about 2 months. In this way, the plants can slowly get used to the ammonium sulfate.

• Carry out a current soil test before fertilizing
• Determine the credit rating
• Determine agronomic soil category
• Include average returns over the past few years
• as well as previous crop and the use of other nutrients
• Lawn needs 80 g per square meter
• Potatoes need 40-70 g per square meter
• Strawberries, radish, asparagus and onions are at 50 grams per square meter
• also endive, lettuce and spinach
• almost all types of cabbage and rhubarb have a requirement of 90 g per square meter
• Ornamental trees are relatively undemanding at 50 g per square meter
• Fruit trees only need 20-40 g per square meter
• Grapevines require 60 g per square meter
• Grassland and pasture require 40 g per square meter

Application

When applying ammonium sulphate, certain factors must be taken into account; this is effective depending on the weather. In frosty temperatures and stagnant moisture, no or only very few nutrients are released. During warm and humid weather there are extremely large bursts of nutrients and there is a risk of leaching. the use is possible both at the end and at the beginning of the gardening season. If the fertilizer is used without a protective cover then it will result in loss of nitrogen. For this reason, the fertilizer must not simply be sprayed over the beds, but must be incorporated. Inhaling ammonium sulfate can cause severe irritation and inflammation of the airways in humans and animals.

• Autumn offers optimal conditions for fertilization
• when used in spring, the development of the plants is significantly improved
• A damp and slightly rainy day is ideal for spreading
• in this way, the substances dissolve quickly and are absorbed into the soil
• additional watering is required in the event of persistently dry weather
• Introduce fertilizer systematically by digging up the earth
• not ingesting it causes irritation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Overdose initiates diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes
• otherwise it will cause itching, irritation, redness and pain
• Always wear protective clothing when spreading

Storage & transport

Ammonium sulphate is relatively easy to care for during transport and storage, there are no legal regulations in this regard. When fertilizing large areas, the accommodation in separate Storage rooms at. The product can also be stored well together with other complex fertilizers. Storage with ammonium phosphate and sodium chloride is also not a problem. The ammonium sulphate can be transported in any means of transport, it is important to protect the human body in order to prevent irritation on contact.

• make sure that the means of transport are clean, dry and watertight
• Always protect fertilizer from moisture
• has very good storage properties
• The ideal is a covered storage room, into which no water can penetrate
• Storage must be dry and clean before use
• Adequate ventilation is essential for long-term storage
• It makes sense to add anti-caking agents
• this means that the product can flow freely and can be stored for a long time