PROPERTIES OF AMMONIUM SULPHATE – AMS

Ammonium Sulphate – AMS

All figures quoted should be considered as a typical product analysis and may vary due to manufacturing process and raw materials.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

1.  A fine white crystalline product.
2. Crystal colour may vary from white – yellow to blue – green and brown due to impurities.
3. Granular forms may be produced by compaction, chipping or crystal growth.
4. Particle size distribution of granular product typically ranges from 2.0 – 5.5mm.
5. Critical Relative Humidity @ 30°C: 79.2.
6. Solubility at 20°C: 75.4g / 100ml of water.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

1. Chemical formula: NH₄SO₄.
2. 21% Nitrogen (N).
3. N in the Ammonium (NH₄⁺)form.
4. 24 % Sulphur (S).
5. S is in Sulphate (SO₄^–) form.
6. Acidification index: 7.14 kg pure lime/kg N or 1.5kg pure lime per kg ammonium sulphate applied.
7. Salt index: 69 (relative to Sodium Nitrate @ 100)

AGRONOMIC BENEFITS & CAUTIONS

1. N immediately available for plant uptake.
2. N losses due to volatilization are very low.
3. Ammonium  – N doesn’t leach due to its positive charge.
4. S is immediately available for plant uptake.
5. Highly soluble and may be put through irrigation systems.
6. The most acidifying N source and should be used with caution on acidic soils.
7. May be used beneficially to drop the pH in alkaline soils and improve availability of micro nutrients.
8. Compatible for blending with MAP, LAN, Urea, Potassium Chloride.

Please note: Consult a qualified person (Act 36 of 1947) for specific applications / recommendations.