Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture and horticulture for providing plants with essential nutrients. The composition of ammonium nitrate includes a high concentration of nitrogen in the form of nitrate and ammonium, which contributes to the rapid growth and development of plants. This fertilizer is crucial for increasing yields, improving product quality, and enhancing plant health. However, proper use of ammonium nitrate requires adhering to recommended dosage and application methods to avoid potential negative consequences for the environment and plant health.

Ammonium nitrate can be used for a variety of crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. It is important to note that despite its high effectiveness, improper use of ammonium nitrate can lead to a range of issues such as over-fertilization, soil contamination, and ecosystem degradation.

Fertilizer classification

Ammonium nitrate is classified as a nitrogen fertilizer because its main purpose is to supply nitrogen to plants. Depending on its form and nitrogen content, ammonium nitrate can be available in several variants:

1. Simple ammonium nitrate — contains about 34-35% nitrogen in the forms of nitrate and ammonium.
2. Calcium ammonium nitrate — ammonium nitrate with added calcium, which helps improve soil structure and reduce acidity.
3. Ammonium nitrate with added micronutrients — this form of fertilizer includes additional elements such as magnesium, boron, or manganese, which are essential for plant nutrition.

Each of these forms of the fertilizer is used depending on the specific needs of the crops, growing conditions, and soil acidity levels.

Composition and properties

The primary nutrients of ammonium nitrate are nitrogen in two forms: ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻). These forms of nitrogen are easily absorbed by plants, promoting accelerated growth and development. Nitrogen plays a key role in the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, as well as in the process of photosynthesis.

1. Primary nutrients (NPK):
   • Nitrogen (N): 34-35% — promotes vegetative growth, increases productivity, and improves plant quality.
   • Phosphorus (P): ammonium nitrate does not contain significant amounts of phosphorus.
   • Potassium (K): ammonium nitrate also does not contain large amounts of potassium.
2. Additional elements:
3. Calcium (Ca): in some forms of ammonium nitrate, calcium is added, which helps improve soil structure, neutralize acidity, and support root system health.
4. Magnesium (Mg): important for chlorophyll synthesis and overall plant growth.
5. Sulfur (S): may be included in the fertilizer to assist in the synthesis of amino acids.
6. Micronutrients: ammonium nitrate may contain micronutrients such as boron, manganese, copper, and zinc, which are required for plant nutrition.

Physical and chemical properties

Ammonium nitrate is a white or slightly yellow crystalline or granular substance that is highly soluble in water. It has a high hygroscopicity, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to caking and the formation of lumps. This property requires proper storage to prevent crystallization or loss of activity.

Ammonium nitrate has an acidic reaction in water due to the presence of ammonium, which can affect the pH of the soil, especially with excessive application. This factor should be taken into account during use to avoid excessive soil acidification.

Application

Ammonium nitrate can be used for fertilizing various agricultural crops. Recommended dosages depend on the type of crop, soil condition, and the purpose of use. Typically, the dosage ranges from 30 to 150 kg per hectare, depending on the crop's needs. For accurate dosage calculations and to avoid over-fertilization, soil testing is recommended.

Methods of application:

• Soil application: ammonium nitrate is usually applied to the soil using specialized agricultural machines or by hand. It can be applied in the fall or spring, depending on the crop.
• Foliar spraying: ammonium nitrate can be used for foliar spraying in a dissolved form, allowing for quick nitrogen uptake by plants.
• Irrigation: the fertilizer can also be applied through drip irrigation systems.

Timing of application:

• Spring — ammonium nitrate is applied to the soil before planting or during early stages of plant growth to stimulate vegetative growth.
• Summer — additional fertilization can be applied during the vegetative growth period.
• Fall — used for preparing the soil for the next season.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Ammonium nitrate is a highly effective fertilizer with rapid action.
• It promotes accelerated plant growth, improves nutrition, and increases yields.
• It is easily soluble in water and quickly absorbed by plants.

Disadvantages:

• Over-application can lead to contamination of water bodies as nitrates are easily leached into groundwater.
• It can cause soil acidification and deterioration of its structure with uncontrolled use.
• When inhaled or in contact with skin, it can cause irritation.

Impact on soil and plants

Ammonium nitrate improves soil fertility by providing plants with easily absorbable forms of nitrogen. However, excessive use can lead to problems such as salinization of the soil and nutrient imbalance, which may result in deteriorating soil structure, reduced biological activity, and decreased yields.

The use of ammonium nitrate requires careful consideration of the crop's needs to avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.

Environmental safety

Ammonium nitrate can have an impact on the environment. Over-application of the fertilizer can lead to water contamination by nitrates, which contributes to eutrophication and reduced water quality. Nitrates can enter drinking water, posing a threat to human and animal health.

Ammonium nitrate is highly biodegradable, as it dissolves quickly in water and is absorbed by plants. However, its use requires caution and adherence to application norms to minimize its environmental impact.

Compatibility with organic farming

Ammonium nitrate is not compatible with the principles of organic farming as it is a synthetic fertilizer. In organic farming, organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and green manure are preferred, which do not have the same environmental impact.

Tips for choosing fertilizer

Choosing ammonium nitrate depends on the type of crops and growing conditions. When selecting fertilizer, it is important to consider the nitrogen content in the soil, the crop's needs, and its growth phase. Additionally, attention should be paid to the presence of additional elements such as calcium or magnesium if these are required to improve soil structure.

Reading labels and instructions for use helps determine the correct dosage and methods of application to achieve the best results.

Mistakes in fertilizer use

Typical mistakes when using ammonium nitrate include over-fertilizing plants, which can lead to an excess of nitrogen in the soil, water contamination, and poor plant health. It is also important to avoid incorrect timing of application, such as applying fertilizer too late, which can result in nutrient loss or runoff.

To avoid these mistakes, follow recommended dosages and application timing, and regularly monitor the soil and plant conditions.

Conclusion

Ammonium nitrate is an effective and accessible fertilizer that plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural yields. However, its use requires caution, as improper application can lead to environmental issues such as water contamination and soil acidification. Correct selection of dosage, timing, and methods of application helps maximize its benefits while minimizing risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a fertilizer containing nitrogen in the form of ammonium and nitrate ions. It is widely used in agriculture to stimulate plant growth.

• How is ammonium nitrate used in agriculture?

Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer to increase the nitrogen level in the soil, which helps improve plant growth and increase crop yields.

• Which plants most need ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is particularly beneficial for plants that require large amounts of nitrogen, such as corn, wheat, potatoes, vegetables, and many ornamental plants.

• How should ammonium nitrate be applied in horticulture?

Ammonium nitrate should be applied to the soil in the spring or at the beginning of the growing season. It can be mixed with the soil before planting or used as a liquid fertilizer for feeding plants.

• What are the recommended dosages of ammonium nitrate for different crops?

For most crops, the recommended dosage is 50-100 kg per hectare, depending on the type of soil and the plant's needs. However, the dosage may vary, and it is always recommended to conduct a soil analysis.

• What are the advantages of using ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate effectively increases the nitrogen content in the soil, which improves plant growth, enhances their resistance to stress factors, and increases crop yields.

• Are there any disadvantages to using ammonium nitrate?

Excessive use of ammonium nitrate can lead to the accumulation of nitrates in the soil, which may affect plant health and contaminate water bodies. Also, high nitrogen concentration can cause soil salinization.

• How should ammonium nitrate be stored?

Ammonium nitrate should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from fire sources, as it is a strong oxidizer. Ensure that the packaging is airtight and protected from moisture.

• Can ammonium nitrate be used in organic farming?

Ammonium nitrate is not an organic fertilizer, and its use in organic farming is prohibited. However, it can be used in conventional agriculture.

• What are the alternatives to ammonium nitrate?

Alternatives to ammonium nitrate include organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, as well as other synthetic nitrogen fertilizers such as urea (urea) or ammonium sulfate.