A deep dive into ammonium nitrate fertilizer: Uses, benefits, and safety

Since the beginning of human plant cultivation, adding minerals to crops has been a crucial aspect of farming. In ancient agriculture, farmers relied on bird droppings for cultivation, but after the introduction of synthetic fertilizers, crop yields significantly increased. As nitrogen is the key component of any fertilizer, ammonium nitrate fertilizers have gained a lot of popularity worldwide due to their high nitrogen content (34%).

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is effective across a range of climates because of the combination of its slower-releasing ammonium (NH4+) and fast-acting nitrate (NO3-). It is thought to be less harmful and more agronomically effective than urea. It helps promote plant growth and the overall yield of crops. However, ammonium nitrate has hazardous qualities that, if not handled correctly, have resulted in serious incidents that can claim lives and damage property. These dangers are well-recognized, and various precautionary measures are available to reduce them.

Growcycle is a well-known retailer of agriculture and horticulture products. It provides various fertilizers, from potassium to ammonium nitrate fertilizers. It also offers a complete answer to the demands of contemporary growers, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a constantly changing market.

What is Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer?

Ammonium nitrate is a popular nitrogen-based fertilizer because it includes a high concentration of ammonium and nitrate. When mixed with soil water, the nitrate form easily moves from roots to other parts of the plant. On the other hand, ammonium is first converted to nitrate and then gradually taken up by roots.

Many vegetable farmers use ammonium nitrate as an instantaneous source of nitrate for plant nutrition, while animal farmers use it for fertilizing pasture and hay. Ammonium nitrate is commonly combined with other fertilizers, however due to its propensity to absorb moisture from the air, these combinations cannot be retained for extended durations. 

Furthermore, ammonium nitrate is highly soluble, which makes it ideal for use in fertigation or foliar solutions.

Properties of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate, or AN, is a key chemical product that is primarily used to make high-quality fertilizers. Below are the key properties of ammonium nitrate fertilizers.

• Chemical Composition

An acid-base reaction of ammonia and nitric acid produces ammonium nitrate.

HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO3

The Harber process turns atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia which is then converted into nitric acid by the Ostwald process. Once the solution is formed, extra water is evaporated to obtain a 98-99% concentration of liquid ammonium nitrate. This liquid ammonium nitrate is then converted into granules or beads for fertilizers or other commercial products.

• Physical Properties

Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline salt that comes in granules or prills form. It is extremely soluble in water, making it readily available to crops once dissolved. It is hygroscopic in nature because it can easily absorb moisture. It has a melting point of 229°F - 257°F but doesn’t have a true boiling point because it decomposes easily. Ammonium nitrate has a molecular weight of 80.04 grams.

• Nitrogen Release Mechanism

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) provides nitrogen to plants in two ways: ) nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+). When growers mix ammonium nitrate in soil water, nitrate ions easily move from the roots to the stems of plants. Compared to nitrate ions, ammonium ions dissolve slowly in water by adhering to clay particles. This results in the slow release of nitrogen to plants. However, both processes can enhance plant growth and development.

• Explosive Potential

As ammonium nitrate has oxidizing properties, it can easily release oxygen into the air. This can make it highly explosive when combined with combustible substances. When mixed with fuels like fuel oil and aluminum powder or with explosives like TNT, ammonium nitrate easily creates explosive compounds, including Amatex, Amatol, Minol, Tovex, etc. While pure ammonium nitrate is generally stable, major shock, friction, or confinement can make it more prone to detonation.

• Thermal Properties

When ammonium nitrate is heated beyond its decomposition point, it releases heat and energy. This reaction can become dangerous if the ammonium nitrate is enclosed. In terms of thermal conductivity, ammonium nitrate has a very slow process. As a result, heat can accumulate in specific parts of a bulk storage of ammonium nitrate, raising the danger of thermal breakdown and detonation.

• Environmental Interaction

The nitrate content of ammonium nitrate can easily dissolve in water, moving to soil layers. This results in the leaching and draining of excess nitrates in groundwater. When ammonium nitrate is added to soils, microbial activities can generate nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful greenhouse gas, thus contributing to global warming. However, when used properly, ammonium nitrate fertilizers can significantly boost plants' productivity.

Uses of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate is a popular fertilizer for plants and agriculture due to its effectiveness in delivering essential nutrients. The following are the most common uses of ammonium nitrate fertilizers.

• Nitrogen Source

One of the main purposes of using ammonium nitrate in plants is nitrogen. As ammonium nitrate contains 34% nitrogen, it helps boost photosynthesis, protein formation, and overall plant growth. Gardeners or farmers commonly use ammonium nitrate fertilizers for crops like wheat, maize, barley, and different fruits.

• Boost Crops Yield

Since ammonium nitrate contains both ammonium and nitrate, it excels in the speed of productivity and overall crop yield. In livestock farming, ammonium nitrate is applied to boost pastures and grasslands to increase grass production. This improves the quality of food for animals such as cattle.

• Maintain Soil Nutrient Needs

Ammonium nitrate fertilizers maintain plants' nutrient requirements by supplying equal and balanced amounts of nitrogen in the form of ammonia or nitrate. This dual availability replenishes nitrogen levels, improves soil fertility, and encourages healthy plant development.

• Improve Soil Fertility

Ammonium nitrate is used to restore nitrogen in low-concentration areas due to intensive farming. It improves soil fertility and helps farmers sustain soil health over time so that crop production can continue without causing soil degradation.

Types of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Although ammonium nitrate is available in both granular and liquid forms, the most used types are the following:

1. Liquid Ammonium Nitrate

Water-dissolved white crystals are known as liquid ammonium nitrate (LAN). Although the substance is not flammable in and of itself, it will fasten the burning of flammable substances. It is used to make both fertilizers and explosives. It provides plants with an immediate nitrogen source by quick absorption in soils. Liquid ammonium nitrate can be applied by using two different methods: foliar spray and fertigation. The application of LAN minimizes waste accumulation and maximizes nutrient absorption.

2. Granular Ammonium Nitrate

The white crystalline granules or prills of ammonium nitrate fertilizers are called granular ammonium nitrate. This is the most common and readily available type of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. It allows quick nitrogen release to plants, improving and boosting their growth. A granular form of ammonium nitrate fertilizers can be applied by fertilizer spreaders on large areas of crops or fields. This form of ammonium nitrate fertilizer is suitable for different vegetables, fruits, turf, and lawns.

3. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate

A nitrogen fertilizer called calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) has the same proportion of long-lasting ammonium as fast-acting nitrate. This guarantees a more constant supply of nitrogen to the crop, improving its use efficiency and allowing for unseasonal treatment in the summer or winter. Apart from nitrogen, CAN provides plants with calcium, which is vital for cell wall construction, root development, and overall plant health. Unlike other fertilizers, it helps maintain a balanced pH in plants, thus improving yield.

4. Coated Ammonium Nitrate

Granular ammonium nitrate coated with polymer or resin is known as coated ammonium nitrate. This form of ammonium nitrate fertilizer is less effective than other fertilizers because it creates a barrier for nitrogen in the form of a coating layer. However, by releasing nitrogen gradually, coated ammonium nitrate improves plants' absorption of nutrients. As it allows a steady supply of nitrogen to plants, it slows the need for frequent application of fertilizers. This type of fertilizer is useful in different agriculture step-ups, including row crops, turf, and ornamental plants.

Top Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Top ammonium nitrate fertilizers are well-known for giving plants the nitrogen they need to grow strong and produce high yields.

1. Hi-Yield Ammonium Calcium Nitrate

Hi-Yield Ammonium Calcium Nitrate is one of the best ammonium nitrate fertilizers for plants. It provides a strong combination of vital elements, particularly calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N), that are important for plant growth. Perfect for vegetable gardens, especially with tomatoes and peppers, this mixture is essential for preventing Blossom End Rot, a common problem with tomatoes.

Blossom End Rot occurs by a calcium deficiency, which produces physiological abnormalities rather than plant sickness. It frequently occurs during rapid fruit expansion stages, when adequate calcium fails to reach the fruit's end. Gardeners may efficiently handle this difficulty by using Hi-Yield Ammonium Calcium Nitrate. They can use it as a soil (side dress) application or as a foliar spray, giving various solutions for optimum plant health and output.

2. Plant-Prod Ammonium Nitrate

Plant-Prod Ammonium Nitrate is Growcycle's second-most recommended ammonium nitrate fertilizer. It offers a high-nitrogen formula for plant and crop growth. Its high nitrogen concentration, adaptability, and rapid nutrient availability make it a good choice for farmers trying to increase crop yield and plant health. It can be combined with other nutrients to make unique fertilizer mixtures, allowing farmers to adjust their applications according to the requirements of particular crops and soil types.

Benefits of Using Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate fertilizers offer several advantages that make them popular among farmers:

• High Nitrogen Content

Nitrogen is an important ingredient for plant growth since it helps form amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll. Ammonium nitrate contains a significant amount of nitrogen, which promotes lush, green foliage and strong and vigorous plant growth.

• Adaptability to Different Soils

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer works well in various soil types because it is highly soluble and quickly releases nitrogen. It improves nutrient uptake in sandy soil and nitrogen retention in clay soils. Because of its adaptability, it may thrive in a variety of agricultural conditions and promote healthy plant growth.

• Fast and Quick absorption

Ammonium nitrate is a very soluble substance that plants absorb quickly, which makes it a great option for rapid growth spurts and greening. Ammonium and nitrate, the two types of nitrogen in ammonium nitrate, enable plants to absorb nutrients rapidly, particularly during crucial growth periods.

• Suitable to Different Crops

Ammonium nitrate fertilizers are ideal for several crops, mainly because they release nitrogen quickly, allowing the crops to grow faster. This fertilizer is beneficial to crops that prefer and require a lot of nitrogen, such as corn, wheat, and green vegetables. Since application methods differ, this fertilizer is best for row crops, pastures, orchards, turf, and ornamental plants.

• Decrease Soil Acidity

When properly used, ammonium nitrate contributes to a balanced soil pH. This is because its component, ammonium, tends to counterbalance the adverse effects of soil acidification caused by other nitrogen sources.

• Decrease Soil Reduction

Because of the high amount of nitrogen in ammonium nitrate fertilizer, soil reduction is minimized, allowing for healthy plant growth and root development. This results in stable soil against erosion or compaction. It promotes nitrogen uptake, hence improving soil fertility and health.

• Cost-Effective

The high nitrogen efficiency and better yields make ammonium nitrate an economical fertilizer for farmers, hence higher returns on investment. Moreover, due to its effective nutrient delivery, farmers can use it less frequently, which also maximizes their input costs.

Best Practice to Apply Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Use the following recommended methods to optimize the advantages and reduce the hazards of ammonium nitrate fertilizer:

• Proper Storage

Proper storage is required to avoid the negative consequences of ammonium nitrate fertilizers. Always store these fertilizers in cool, dry places with good ventilation, far from heat sources or flames and direct sunlight. Store the fertilizer in a moisture-resistant sealed container to prevent clumping and chemical reactions. Above all, ammonium nitrate should be used under local legislation because, in some situations, it can cause ignition and pollution.

• Secure Handling

When working with ammonium nitrate, put on the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves. Avoid breathing in dust and properly wash the hands after using anything to prevent skin and respiratory infections. Make sure storage facilities have enough ventilation, and store items in sealed containers to avoid moisture absorption, which can cause decomposition and clumping.

• Proper Application and Timing

Before the application of ammonium nitrate fertilizers, conduct a thorough examination of the soil to determine the requirements of nitrogen for crops. After that, choose the application method, like banding, broadcasting, or fertigation. Regardless of the application method type, always spread the fertilizer evenly on the crop surface to ensure equal nutrient distribution.

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is best applied during the growing season, when plants are active, or after planting, when nitrogen is in high demand. However, heavy rain can run off fertilizer, so avoid applying it in such weather.

• Blending

Ammonium nitrate is frequently mixed with micronutrients, phosphorus, and potassium to form well-balanced mixtures in order to promote plant growth. So, always blend ammonium nitrate with other fertilizers via mixing to maintain a balanced nutrient supply and lower the concentration of nitrate, which might seep into groundwater.

Risks and Safety Concerns of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers

Although ammonium nitrate is a very effective fertilizer for plants, it has the following risks and safety concerns:

• Explosive Potential

Ammonium nitrate is a potent oxidizer that, under some situations, can be quite explosive. Because of its use in both illegal and industrial explosives, there are stringent guidelines for its handling, storage, and shipping. Adherence to safety requirements and suitable storage methods is critical for reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safe handling.

• Fire Hazards

Ammonium nitrate fertilizers can cause fire hazards because of their potential to explode when exposed to heat, pollutants, or confined spaces. The decomposition of ammonium nitrate can produce hazardous gasses. Proper storage in cool, well-ventilated rooms away from flammable goods is important for reducing these fire hazards and ensuring safety.

• Health Hazards

Ammonium nitrate can irritate the digestive system and respiratory tract when consumed or inhaled. Burns or irritation could also occur from direct skin contact. In order to reduce these health risks and guarantee safe application procedures, the appropriate protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, must be worn during handling.

• Environmental Concerns

When ammonium nitrate is used excessively, it can cause fertilizer runoff that contaminates water bodies and causes eutrophication. It lowers oxygen levels and threatens aquatic life. Applying too much fertilizer might cause the soil to become less healthy and more acidic. Appropriate management techniques are essential to reduce these effects and guarantee sustainable agricultural operations.

• Contamination Risks

The contamination risks of ammonium nitrate fertilizers include exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, or chemicals during their production, transportation, or storage. Once contaminated, these fertilizers may damage the health of soil and affect crop quality and food safety. Proper handling and storage procedures are required to reduce contamination hazards.

FAQs

Which crop is not used for ammonium nitrate fertilizer?

For crops like legumes (e.g., beans and peas) that are sensitive to high nitrogen levels, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is generally not advised. Since these crops are naturally able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, extra nitrogen applications are not necessary and may even be detrimental to their growth and well-being.

What is the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) includes nitrogen in both ammonium and nitrate forms, whereas urea solely contains nitrogen in the amide form. Urea contains 46% nitrogen while ammonium nitrate consists of 34% nitrogen. This difference affects their efficacy and application timing.

What are the disadvantages of ammonium nitrate fertilizer?

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer has various drawbacks, such as the possibility of seeping into streams and polluting the ecosystem. Over time, it can degrade soil acidity, which is bad for the health of the soil. Its explosive nature also presents safety hazards, necessitating cautious handling and storage to avoid mishaps and guarantee safe use.

The Bottom Line

Ammonium Nitrate is a powerful agricultural fertilizer, which provides plants with high nitrogen content to ensure optimal growth and crop yield. The combination of ammonium and nitrate in ammonium-nitrate fertilizers allows rapid nutrient absorption, thus making them life-saving fertilizers for various crops. Still, ammonium nitrate should be handled and stored carefully given its explosive nature and hazardous features.

Growcycle, a reliable supplier, provides the best quality ammonium nitrate fertilizers and the tools farmers need to optimize productivity. By appropriately selecting fertilizer and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of ammonium nitrate, farmers may improve soil fertility and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.