1、Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate, a salt of ammonia and nitric acid, used widely in fertilizers and explosives. The commercial grade contains about 33.5 percent nitrogen, all of which is in forms utilizable by plants; it is the most common nitrogenous component of artificial fertilizers.

2、Classification, composition and properties of major nitrogenous fertilizers

Classification of Nitrogenous Fertilizer: The nitrogenous fertilizers are classified on the basis of chemical form in which nitrogen is present within a fertilizer i. e. ammonium (NH 4...

3、Ammonium Fertilizers

Ammonium fertilizers refer to a type of fertilizer that contains ammonium ions, which can include various forms such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphates.

4、Nutrient Management :: Fertilizers

Ammoniacal fertilizers contain the nutrient nitrogen in the form of ammonium or ammonia. Ammoniacal fertilizers are readily soluble in water and therefore readily available to crops. Except rice, all crops absorb nitrogen in nitrate form.

5、11.9: Plant Nutrients and Fertilizers in Soil

A solid form of nitrogen fertilizer can be made by reacting ammonia with oxygen over a platinum catalyst to make nitric acid, HNO 3, and reacting the acid with basic ammonia to make ammonium nitrate, NH 4 NO 3.

20.1: Farming and Chemicals

Nitrogen fertilizers are made from ammonia (NH 3) produced by the Haber-Bosch process. In this energy-intensive process, natural gas (CH 4) usually supplies the hydrogen, and the nitrogen (N 2) is derived from the air.

Nitrogen Fertilizer

The major nitrogen (N) fertilizers are: ammonium nitrate (34% N), urea (46% N), anhydrous ammonia (82% N), and urea–ammonia nitrate mixtures (ammonium nitrate and urea dissolved in water containing 28–32% N).

Recent advances in the chemistry of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

These fertilizers contain N in either ammonia or ammonium forms, which are readily available to crops owing to their high water solubility. When N-reduced fertilizers are applied to soil, the soil colloidal complex immediately absorbs NH +4.

Nitrogenous Fertiliser

Ammonium nitrate is produced by neutralizing nitric acid with ammonia. Up to 20% of ammonium nitrate is used for explosives and the remainder for fertilizer production. Liquid ammonium nitrate may be sold as a fertilizer, generally in combination with urea.

Enhancing Crop Nitrogen Efficiency: The Role of Mixed Nitrate and

This review shows that balanced nitrate–ammonium co-application synergistically enhances crop nitrogen-use efficiency and yield, provides a theoretical basis for high-efficiency nitrogen-fertilizer development, and helps alleviate environmental pressures, advance sustainable agriculture, and secure food and ecosystem safety.

Ammonium nitrogen fertilizers are a common type of chemical fertilizer, with ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) as their primary component. Ammonium nitrate consists of nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and trace elements. Below is a detailed explanation of the composition and functions of ammonium nitrogen fertilizers:

I. Chemical Composition of Ammonium Nitrogen Fertilizers

1. Nitrogen (N): This is the most critical element in ammonium nitrogen fertilizers, typically existing in compound forms. In ammonium nitrate, nitrogen appears mainly as nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).
2. Oxygen (O): Nitrogen combines with oxygen to form compounds, such as nitrates. In ammonium nitrate, oxygen is primarily found in nitrate ions.
3. Hydrogen (H): Hydrogen is a fundamental element of water molecules (H₂O) and an essential component of ammonium nitrogen fertilizers. In ammonium nitrate, hydrogen exists mainly as ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).
4. Trace Elements: Besides nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, ammonium nitrogen fertilizers may contain minute quantities of other elements like potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). These trace elements have minimal impact on the overall performance of the fertilizer.

II. Functions of Ammonium Nitrogen Fertilizers

1. Providing Essential Nutrients for Plants: Nitrogen in ammonium nitrogen fertilizers is a key nutrient for plant growth, promoting development and metabolism.
2. Enhancing Soil Fertility: Nitrogen from these fertilizers converts into organic compounds (e.g., proteins) within plants, increasing soil organic matter and improving fertility.
3. Improving Soil Structure: Their use enhances soil physical and chemical properties, making it looser, more aerated, and better suited for root growth and nutrient absorption.
4. Boosting Crop Yields: Proper application significantly increases crop yields and quality, especially for nitrogen-demanding crops like rice and wheat.
5. Reducing Environmental Pollution: Compared to nitrate-based fertilizers, ammonium nitrogen fertilizers degrade faster via microbial activity into ammonia (NH₃), minimizing environmental contamination.
6. Promoting Ecological Balance: Appropriate use helps maintain soil ecosystem equilibrium and biodiversity.

III. Application and Precautions for Ammonium Nitrogen Fertilizers

1. Rational Fertilization: Dosage and timing should align with crop requirements and soil conditions to avoid overapplication, which may cause salt accumulation or nutrient imbalance.
2. Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry areas away from sunlight and rain to prevent ammonia volatilization and clumping.
3. Avoid Mixing with Alkaline Substances: Do not combine with alkaline materials, as this may trigger reactions releasing ammonia gas, reducing efficacy and polluting the environment.
4. Environmental Protection: Minimize ecological impacts by improving soil structure, increasing organic fertilizers, and adopting sustainable practices.
5. Scientific Application Methods: Techniques like deep placement, stratified application, or foliar spraying optimize results. Combining with other fertilization methods enhances efficiency.

ammonium nitrogen fertilizers consist of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and trace elements. They supply essential nutrients, improve soil health, boost crop yields, and reduce pollution. To maximize benefits, careful attention must be paid to proper application, storage, and environmental safety.