Introduction
Ammonium sulphate (chemical formula: (NH₄)₂SO₄) is an inorganic compound widely used in both agriculture and industry. Its CAS Nomber is 7783-20-2, It appears as a white or slightly yellow crystalline solid and is known for its high solubility in water. As a nitrogen and sulfur fertilizer, it provides essential nutrients for plant growth while also playing a critical role in various industrial processes.
Agricultural Applications 🌾
Nutritional Benefits for Crops
🔹As a Nitrogen Fertilizer: Ammonium sulphate contains approximately 20-21% nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. It enhances leaf development, boosts photosynthesis efficiency, and contributes to higher crop yields.
🔹Sulfur Supplementation: Sulfur is essential for protein synthesis, oil formation, and metabolic functions in plants. Ammonium sulphate supplies 24% sulfur, benefiting sulfur-demanding crops.
🔹Suitable Crops
✅ Cereal Crops: Rice, wheat, and corn
✅ Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, and potatoes
✅ Fruit Trees: Apples, citrus, and grapes
✅Sulfur-Loving Crops: Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, canola) and legumes (soybeans, peanuts)
🔹 Soil Improvement
🌍 pH Regulation: Particularly effective in alkaline soils, ammonium sulphate helps lower soil pH, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
Industrial Applications 🏭
🔹Chemical Industry: Used in the production of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, potassium sulphate, and ammonium persulphate.
🔹 Pharmaceutical Industry: Functions as a disinfectant, preservative, and yeast nutrient in drug production.
🔹 Textile Industry: Applied in fireproofing, mothproofing, and as a dyeing auxiliary to enhance fabric coloration.
🔹 Water Treatment: Helps in water purification by acting as a coagulant.
Grades of Ammonium Sulphate 🏷️
Depending on the production method, ammonium sulphate is categorized into three main grades:
1. AMMONIUM SULPHATE – COKING GRANULAR 🔻
🔹 Production Method: Produced as a by-product of coke oven gas desulfurization. Ammonia in the gas reacts with sulfuric acid to form ammonium sulphate, which is then crystallized and dried.
🔹 Characteristics:
✔ Lower-grade product with higher impurity content (e.g., tar, benzene, naphthalene)
✔ Off-white to light yellow color
✔ Uneven particle size with lower stability
✔ Affordable option for general agricultural use
2. AMMONIUM SULPHATE – CAPRO GRANULAR 🔻
🔹Production Method: Derived from caprolactam production wastewater. Ammonia is neutralized with sulfuric acid, then undergoes evaporation, crystallization, and drying.
🔹 Characteristics:
✔ High purity (>99%) with minimal impurities
✔ White, uniform round granules with good fluidity and stability
✔ Suitable for cash crops and high-quality fertilizer applications
3. AMMONIUM SULPHATE – CAPRO CRYSTAL 🔻
🔹Production Method: Same as caprolactam ammonium sulphate but with more precise crystallization control for higher purity and regular crystal formation.
🔹 Characteristics:
✔ Ultra-high purity (>99.5%)
✔ Transparent or semi-transparent crystalline structure with high luster
✔ Used in high-purity industries such as electronics and pharmaceuticals
✔ Can be applied in precision fertilization for high-end crops
Conclusion ✅
Ammonium sulphate is a versatile and essential compound in both agriculture and industry. With different production methods resulting in various grades, its applications range from enhancing crop nutrition to supporting industrial manufacturing. Whether used for boosting soil fertility or as a key component in industrial processes, ammonium sulphate plays an important role in modern agriculture and industry.
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