ammooniumväetised

Ammooniumväetised are a class of nitrogen fertilizers that contain ammonium (NH4+) as their primary form of nitrogen. These fertilizers are widely used in agriculture to supply essential nitrogen for plant growth, which is a key component of proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. The ammonium ion is readily available for plant uptake, and it can also be converted to nitrate (NO3-) by soil microorganisms through the process of nitrification, which is another form of nitrogen that plants can absorb.

Common examples of ammonium fertilizers include ammonium sulfate ( (NH4)2SO4 ), ammonium nitrate ( NH4NO3 ), and urea ( (NH2)2CO ), which hydrolyzes to ammonium in the soil. Ammonium sulfate also provides sulfur, an essential nutrient for plant development. Ammonium nitrate is a highly concentrated source of nitrogen, but its potential for misuse has led to restrictions in some regions. Urea is the most widely produced nitrogen fertilizer globally due to its high nitrogen content and relatively low production cost.

The use of ammonium fertilizers can influence soil pH. Ammonium ions can be released as hydrogen ions (H+) during plant uptake or nitrification, leading to a temporary or prolonged decrease in soil pH, making the soil more acidic. This acidification can affect nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. Therefore, soil management practices, such as liming, may be necessary to counteract pH changes when using ammonium fertilizers extensively. Controlled-release formulations and split applications are also employed to optimize nitrogen uptake efficiency and minimize potential negative environmental impacts.