Ammonium sulfate itself is a commonly used raw material for nitrogen fertilizers, with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄, containing approximately 21% elemental nitrogen (N).
When used as a fertilizer, ammonium sulfate can be applied directly to the soil without further processing to become a feedstock for other fertilizers,
as it is a fully formed fertilizer product in its own right. However, from a broader perspective, the role of ammonium sulphate in the fertilizer industry can involve the following:
Directly as a nitrogen fertilizer:
The most direct application is as a direct fertilizer for crops, either applied to the soil as a base fertilizer or as a follow-up fertilizer during the growing period of the crop,
to promote the growth of the plant's branches and foliage, and to enhance the quality of the fruits and the yield.
Components of compound fertilizers:
In the production of compound fertilizers, ammonium sulfate can be used as a nitrogen source mixed with other fertilizer raw materials containing phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other elements (e.g., phosphate, potash) according to a certain ratio,
to make composite fertilizers containing two or more major nutrients.
Production of other nitrogen-containing fertilizers:
for example, ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) can be prepared through a complex decomposition reaction with table salt (NaCl),
and although this is more of a conversion in the chemical process than a direct fertilizer production, ammonium chloride can be used as a fertilizer as well.
Application in special fertilizer formulations:
In some fertilizer formulations designed for specific crops or soil conditions, ammonium sulphate is used as a key component because of its high solubility and provision of fast-acting nitrogen.
In summary, although ammonium sulphate is usually used directly as a nitrogen fertilizer,
its versatility in the fertilizer industry also allows it to be used indirectly as one of the basic ingredients in the development of a wide range of fertilizer products.
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