Ammonium chloride

Ammonium chloride, with the chemical formula NH₄Cl, is an important mineral fertilizer used in agriculture and horticulture. This fertilizer is valued for its high nitrogen content (about 26%) and chlorine content (about 30%), making it an effective means of stimulating plant growth, increasing yield, and improving product quality. Nitrogen plays a key role in protein synthesis, chlorophyll production, and other vital biochemical processes, contributing to healthy plant growth and development. Chlorine, in turn, is necessary for regulating water balance, photosynthetic activity, and plant resistance to stress conditions.

The significance of ammonium chloride lies in its ability to effectively replenish nitrogen and chlorine deficiencies in soils, which is one of the main causes of reduced yields in various agro-climatic zones. Additionally, ammonium chloride is widely used in compound fertilizers to provide balanced plant nutrition. However, proper use of ammonium chloride requires adherence to dosage and application recommendations to avoid potential negative consequences for the soil, plants, and the environment.

Fertilizer classification

Ammonium chloride is classified as a nitrogen and chlorine fertilizer due to its high nitrogen and chlorine content. Depending on purity and form, ammonium chloride can be classified as follows:

1. Standard ammonium chloride — contains about 26% nitrogen and 30% chlorine. This form of fertilizer is widely used in agriculture to feed various crops.
2. Ammonium chloride with added micronutrients — includes additional micronutrients such as boron, copper, or zinc, which are necessary for proper plant nutrition.
3. Ammonium chloride with calcium — contains added calcium, which helps improve soil structure and increases plant resistance to stress factors.

Each of these forms of ammonium chloride is used depending on the specific needs of crops, soil conditions, and climate, as well as fertilization goals.

Composition and properties

Ammonium chloride consists of nitrogen and chlorine compounds. The main nutrients found in ammonium chloride include:

1. Main Nutrients (NPK):
   • Nitrogen (N): about 26% — contributes to the growth of vegetative mass, enhances protein and chlorophyll synthesis, which increases photosynthetic activity in plants.
   • Phosphorus (P): absent — therefore, additional phosphorus fertilizers are required for complete plant nutrition.
   • Potassium (K): absent — which requires additional potassium fertilizers for balanced plant nutrition.
2. Additional elements:
   • Chlorine (Cl): about 30% — necessary for regulating water balance, photosynthetic activity, and enhancing plant resistance to stress.
   • Calcium (Ca): present in the form of calcium nitrate or other calcium-containing compounds, which help improve soil structure, neutralize acidity, and strengthen plant cell walls.
   • Magnesium (Mg): necessary for chlorophyll synthesis and overall plant growth.
3. Micronutrients: ammonium chloride may contain micronutrients such as boron, copper, zinc, and manganese, which are necessary for various physiological processes in plants and contribute to their health and productivity.

Physical and chemical properties

Ammonium chloride appears as white crystals or granules that dissolve easily in water. It has high solubility, ensuring the rapid uptake of nitrogen and chlorine by plant roots. Ammonium chloride has moderate hygroscopicity, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, but not as strongly as some other fertilizers. This property requires proper storage to prevent clumping and nutrient loss.

Chemically, ammonium chloride is a neutral compound, but when dissolved in water, it can slightly increase the acidity of the solution due to the presence of ammonia. This should be considered when applying the fertilizer to the soil, especially if the soil already has low pH. Moreover, ammonium chloride helps improve soil structure by increasing its water retention capacity and aeration, which promotes healthy root growth and enhances plant resistance to mechanical damage and climate stresses.

Application

Ammonium chloride is widely used to feed various agricultural crops due to its high nitrogen and chlorine content. Recommended dosages depend on the type of crop, soil condition, and application goals. Typically, the dosage ranges from 50 to 200 kg per hectare, but for accurate calculation, it is recommended to conduct a soil analysis and consider the specific needs of the crop.

Methods of Application:

• Soil application: Ammonium chloride is usually applied using specialized agricultural machinery or manually. It can be applied before sowing or at early stages of plant growth.
• Spraying: A solution of ammonium chloride can be used for spraying leaves, allowing rapid nutrient absorption by plants.
• Irrigation: The fertilizer can be applied through a drip irrigation system, ensuring even distribution of nutrients.

Timing of Application:

• Spring — Applying ammonium chloride before sowing or at early growth stages stimulates vegetative growth and improves plant quality.
• Summer — Additional fertilizer application can be beneficial for maintaining high productivity during active growth periods.
• Autumn — Applying ammonium chloride in autumn helps prepare the soil for the next season and enhances its fertility.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Effectiveness: Ammonium chloride is highly effective due to the rapid absorption of nitrogen and chlorine by plants.
• Increased yield: Regular use of ammonium chloride helps increase yield and improve product quality.
• Improved plant resistance: Nitrogen and chlorine enhance plant resistance to diseases, stresses, and adverse climatic conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of over-fertilization: Excessive use of ammonium chloride can lead to excess nitrogen and chlorine in the soil, negatively affecting the uptake of other nutrients.
• Environmental pollution: Improper application of the fertilizer can lead to leaching of nitrogen and chlorine into groundwater and water bodies, causing eutrophication.
• Soil Salinization: High concentrations of nitrogen and chlorine can contribute to soil salinization, negatively affecting soil structure and biological activity.

Impact on soil and plants

Ammonium chloride contributes to improving soil fertility by providing plants with easily absorbable forms of nitrogen and chlorine. Nitrogen improves protein and chlorophyll synthesis, promoting healthy plant growth, and chlorine is essential for regulating water balance and photosynthetic activity. Ammonium chloride improves soil structure by increasing its water retention capacity and aeration, which promotes healthy root growth and enhances plant resistance to mechanical damage and climate stresses.

However, excessive use of ammonium chloride can lead to soil salinization and nutrient imbalances. Excess nitrogen and chlorine may inhibit the uptake of other elements, such as potassium and magnesium, which can cause deficiencies of these elements and negatively affect plant health and productivity. Therefore, it is important to follow recommended dosages and conduct regular soil analysis to maintain nutrient balance.

Environmental safety

Ammonium chloride can have a significant environmental impact if misused. Over-application of the fertilizer can lead to contamination of water bodies with nitrogen and chlorine compounds, contributing to eutrophication, decreased water quality, and the death of aquatic organisms. Additionally, leaching of nitrogen and chlorine into groundwater can result in contamination of drinking water, posing a threat to human and animal health.

Ammonium chloride is a highly soluble compound, which facilitates the rapid spread of nitrogen and chlorine in the environment. However, it is not biologically degradable, as nitrogen and chlorine do not decompose by microorganisms in the soil and may accumulate in ecosystems, causing long-term environmental problems. Therefore, the use of ammonium chloride requires strict adherence to application standards and the implementation of sustainable farming practices to minimize its negative environmental impact.

Compatibility with organic farming

Ammonium chloride is not compatible with organic farming principles because it is a synthetic fertilizer. Organic farming prefers organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and green fertilizers, which provide a gradual and balanced nutrient supply to the soil without negatively impacting the environment. Organic fertilizers also help improve soil structure and increase its biological activity, which is an important aspect of sustainable farming.

Choosing the right fertilizer

When selecting ammonium chloride, it is important to consider the type of crops grown, soil condition, and climate. For successful application, a soil analysis should be conducted to determine the current nutrient levels and pH. This will help choose the appropriate form of ammonium chloride and determine the necessary dosage.

Additionally, when choosing a fertilizer, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the product, its purity, and the presence of additional elements if necessary for specific crops. Reading labels and application instructions helps correctly determine the dosage and application methods, ensuring the effective use of ammonium chloride and preventing potential negative consequences.

Common mistakes and their consequences

Typical mistakes and their consequences:

• Over-fertilizing Plants: Excessive application of ammonium chloride can lead to excess nitrogen and chlorine in the soil, inhibiting the uptake of other nutrients and causing deficiencies of potassium and magnesium.
• Improper Timing: Applying the fertilizer at the wrong time of year can lead to leaching of nitrogen and chlorine from the soil or reduced fertilizer effectiveness.
• Uneven Distribution: Uneven application of ammonium chloride can cause localized over-fertilization or nutrient deficiencies in different areas of the field.

How to avoid these mistakes:

• Follow Recommendations: Always adhere to recommended dosages and application methods.
• Conduct Soil Analysis: Regular soil analysis helps determine its condition and nutrient needs.
• Proper Storage: Store ammonium chloride in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.

Conclusion

Ammonium chloride is an effective and important fertilizer that plays a key role in increasing yield and improving the quality of agricultural crops. Its high nitrogen and chlorine content provides plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. However, its use requires careful consideration, adherence to recommended dosages, and application methods to avoid negative consequences for soil and the environment.

Proper use of ammonium chloride helps improve soil fertility, increase plant resistance to diseases and climate stresses, and boost productivity. It is also important to consider environmental aspects and strive for balanced fertilizer use to maintain ecosystem health and sustainable agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is ammonium chloride and how is it used in agriculture?

   Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a mineral fertilizer containing nitrogen (20.9%) and chlorine (23.2%). It is used for feeding plants, especially those that require additional chlorine, as well as for adjusting soil acidity.

2. What are the benefits of using ammonium chloride as a fertilizer?

   The main benefits of ammonium chloride include:

   • High content of available nitrogen, which promotes plant growth.
   • The addition of chlorine, necessary for a number of physiological processes in plants.
   • Lowering soil pH, which is beneficial for crops that prefer acidic soil.
   • Low cost compared to other nitrogen fertilizers.

3. Which crops respond most effectively to ammonium chloride?

   Ammonium chloride is most effectively used for fertilizing:

   • Brassica crops (cabbage, broccoli).
   • Potatoes.
   • Grapes.
   • Dwarf fruit trees.
   • Some vegetable and berry crops that require chlorine.

4. How should ammonium chloride be applied to the soil?

   Ammonium chloride is applied to the soil by surface distribution or by placing it in the root zone of plants. It is recommended to fertilize during the active growth phase of plants, evenly distributing the fertilizer over the area and pre-wetting the soil to aid in better dissolution and nutrient absorption.

5. What are the recommended application rates for ammonium chloride for different crops?

   The application rate depends on the type of crop, soil condition, and the required nutrient levels. On average, the following recommendations are made:

   • For vegetable crops — 50-100 kg/ha.
   • For fruit trees — 30-60 kg/ha.
   • For potatoes — 60-80 kg/ha. It is important to conduct a soil analysis and follow agronomist recommendations to determine the optimal dose.

6. Can ammonium chloride be mixed with other fertilizers?

   Yes, ammonium chloride combines well with most mineral fertilizers, including phosphorus and potassium. However, possible chemical reactions should be considered, and it is advisable to avoid mixing with fertilizers containing high concentrations of calcium or magnesium to prevent the formation of undesirable salts.

7. How should ammonium chloride be stored?

   The fertilizer should be stored in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Containers should be tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. Proper storage ensures the preservation of the product’s quality and prevents its degradation.

8. Are there any contraindications or limitations when using ammonium chloride?

   Ammonium chloride is not recommended for use on soils with high chlorine content or on crops sensitive to excess chlorine. It is also important to follow recommended application rates to avoid overdosing, which may lead to root burns and negatively affect plant growth.

9. How does ammonium chloride affect soil acidity?

   Ammonium chloride helps lower soil pH, making it more acidic. This is particularly beneficial for crops that prefer acidic conditions, such as potatoes, grapes, and blueberries. However, excessive use may lead to excessive acidity, which can harm plants and soil microflora.

10. How does ammonium chloride differ from other nitrogen fertilizers?

    Unlike ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride contains chlorine, which can be beneficial for crops requiring this element but limiting for others. Additionally, ammonium chloride lowers soil pH without adding sulfur, making it useful for specific agronomic tasks. In comparison to urea, ammonium chloride is less prone to nitrogen loss through ammonia but can have a more significant effect on soil acidity.