Ammonium sulfate is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer (commonly known as fertilizer powder), suitable for general soil and crops. It can promote vigorous growth of branches and leaves, improve fruit quality and yield, and enhance crop resistance to disasters. It can be used as base fertilizer, topdressing, and seed fertilizer. Below, we will introduce the five main precautions for applying ammonium sulfate.
1. Try not to apply ammonium sulfate to paddy fields
Because under flooded conditions, the soil will experience severe hypoxia, and after the application of ammonium sulfate, the sulfate ions in it will be reduced to sulfides. Accumulation of excessive sulfide concentration can cause damage to plant roots and death.
2. Ammonium sulfate belongs to acidic fertilizers, and long-term application can improve the acidity of the soil. Therefore, ammonium sulfate is not suitable for application on acidic soil. When applying on acidic soil in the south, attention should be paid to combining the application of plant ash, phosphate rock powder, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, etc. When applied on calcareous soil in the north, attention should be paid to the combined application of organic fertilizers to prevent the formation of insoluble calcium sulfate by the combination of calcium ions and sulfate ions in the soil, which can cause soil compaction.
3. Ammonium sulfate can be used as a base fertilizer, seed fertilizer, and topdressing
When using base fertilizer, it is necessary to apply deep soil cover to facilitate crop absorption. When making seed fertilizer, the application amount should not be too large and should not exceed 3 kilograms per acre. Topdressing is the most suitable application method, and the amount of ammonium sulfate topdressing should be determined based on different soil types. For soil with poor water and fertilizer retention performance, it should be applied in stages, and the amount should not be too much each time; For soil with good water and fertilizer retention properties, the dosage can be appropriately increased each time. The amount of soil moisture also has a significant impact on fertilizer efficiency, especially in dry lands. When applying ammonium sulfate, it is necessary to pay attention to timely watering. When applying topdressing in paddy fields, it is necessary to first drain and dry the soil, and pay attention to using it in conjunction with plowing and raking.
4. Not suitable for long-term application of ammonium sulfate on the same cultivated land
It is not advisable to apply ammonium sulfate on the same cultivated land for a long time, otherwise the soil will become acidic and harden. If it is necessary to apply it, an appropriate amount of lime or organic fertilizer can be applied together. However, it must be noted that ammonium sulfate and lime cannot be mixed to prevent ammonium sulfate from decomposing and causing nitrogen loss. Generally, the combined application of the two should be separated by 3-5 days.
5. Ammonium sulfate cannot be used in contact or mixed with other alkaline fertilizers or substances
Ammonium sulfate fertilizer cannot be used in contact or mixed with other alkaline fertilizers or substances to prevent reduced fertilizer efficiency.
