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Writer's pictureAntonia Z

Optimizing Agriculture with Diammonium Phosphate (DAP 21-53-0): Key Benefits and Applications.

Diammonium Phosphate (21-53-0) is a chemical compound with the formula (NH4)2HPO4, stands out with its high nutrient concentration, encapsulating 21% nitrogen and 53% phosphorus pentoxide. This composition makes it a highly efficient fertilizer, capable of addressing two crucial plant nutrients through a single application. DAP appears as water-soluble granules, facilitating easy absorption by plants. Its initial alkaline reaction when applied to soil temporarily raises pH levels, affecting nutrient availability.


Here are some key aspects of Diammonium Phosphate:


Characteristics of DAP (21-53-0):

 

High Nutrient Content: DAP is renowned for its significant phosphorus content, integral for root development, flowering, and fruiting in plants, alongside a substantial nitrogen percentage crucial for foliage and stem growth.

Water Solubility: Its excellent solubility in water ensures that the nutrients it provides are readily available for plant uptake, facilitating immediate and effective absorption.

Slight Alkaline Reaction: Unlike MAP, DAP tends to increase the soil pH temporarily upon application, which can influence nutrient availability in the soil. This characteristic makes DAP suitable for slightly acidic to neutral soils, where it can help balance soil pH levels.

Application Versatility: DAP can be applied directly to the soil in its granular form or dissolved in water for foliar applications, providing flexibility in usage based on specific crop requirements and stages of plant growth.

Molecular Weight: 132.07 g/mol

CAS Number: 7783-28-0


Areas of Application in Agriculture:


Soil Nutrient Supplement: DAP is primarily used as a source of phosphorus and nitrogen, two essential nutrients for plant growth. Phosphorus is crucial for the development of roots, flowering, and fruiting, while nitrogen is key for leaf and stem growth.

 

Seed Starting: Its high phosphorus content makes it particularly useful for stimulating root development in seedlings and young plants. It is often applied at the planting stage to ensure a good start for seeds.

 

Correcting Phosphorus Deficiencies: In soils that are deficient in phosphorus, DAP can be used to correct this imbalance, leading to improved plant health and yields.

 

Crop Production: It is widely used in the cultivation of crops such as wheat, corn, sorghum, and barley, where the demand for phosphorus is high. Its application can lead to significantly higher yields.

 

Fertilizer Blends: DAP is often mixed with other types of fertilizers to create blends that meet the specific nutrient requirements of various crops or to adjust nutrient ratios for soil

types.

 

Basic Soil Conditions: It is also known for slightly increasing the pH of the soil upon application, making it more suitable for crops that thrive in slightly alkaline conditions. However, this effect is generally temporary.

 

Main Crops Utilizing DAP Fertilization


Grains: Wheat, corn, and rice are significant consumers of DAP. These crops benefit from the phosphorus in DAP for root development and early growth, enhancing yield and grain quality.

 

Vegetables: Crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens utilize DAP to support their rapid growth phases and development stages, promoting root strength and disease resistance.

 

Fruit Crops: Citrus, apples, and berries benefit from DAP's phosphorus for flowering and fruit set, contributing to fruit quality and plant vigor.

 

Commercial Row Crops: Cotton and soybeans are also recipients of DAP applications, where it aids in maximizing growth and yield potential.

 

General Dosage Guidelines


Grains (e.g., Wheat, Corn): 50-150 kg/ha. The higher range is typically for soils with low phosphorus levels.

 

Vegetables: 100-200 kg/ha, adjusted based on soil test results and specific crop needs.

 

Fruit Crops: 100-250 kg/ha, with application rates varying significantly depending on the specific fruit crop and its stage of growth.

 

Commercial Row Crops (e.g., Cotton, Soybeans): 50-150 kg/ha, depending on soil fertility and crop requirements.




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