Liquid Ammonia Is a High-Concentration Nitrogen Fertilizer: A Detailed Guide to Agricultural Uses and Application Key Points

Liquid ammonia is a colorless liquid obtained by pressurizing or cooling ammonia gas until it liquefies. Also called anhydrous ammonia, it has a strong pungent odor and volatilizes extremely easily. Its boiling point is very low, and it vaporizes rapidly at room temperature and normal pressure, so it must be stored and transported in sealed, pressure-resistant containers.

In agricultural production, liquid ammonia is an important source of nitrogen. Its nitrogen content ranks among the highest of common nitrogen fertilizers, making it a high-concentration nitrogen fertilizer. It can be applied directly to the soil to supply nitrogen to crops, and it is also a basic raw material for producing urea, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfate and other nitrogen fertilizers. If applied properly, ammonia molecules can be adsorbed and retained by soil colloids, nutrient loss is relatively small, and this can help improve nitrogen use efficiency to some extent.

When liquid ammonia is used as fertilizer, specialized equipment is generally needed to inject it into the soil below the plow layer, and the soil should be covered promptly after application to reduce volatilization losses. The application point should be kept at a certain distance from seeds and crop roots to prevent seed and seedling burn. Sandy soil has poor nutrient-holding capacity, so whether it is suitable and how much to apply must be carefully determined according to local conditions.

It is especially important to note that liquid ammonia is a hazardous chemical. It is highly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, and skin contact may also cause frostbite. Storage, transportation and application should all be handled by professionals, with protective equipment, away from fire sources and crowds, putting safety first.