Ammonium sulfate: agriculture fertilizers

Three main nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium

Nitrogen (N), the main constituent of proteins, is essential for growth and development in plants. Nitrogen has some important properties for plant growth. The amount of nitrogen available to a plant determines its growth, color, strength, and yield. In many places Nitrogen is known to be lacking for the plants. Phosphorus (P) is vital for adequate root development and helps the plant resist drought. Phosphorus is also important for plant growth and development, such as the ripening of seed and fruit. Potassium (K) is central to the photosynthesis of crops. Potassium helps improve crop quality and crop resistance to lodging, disease and drought.

Secondary nutrients

In addition, the secondary nutrients Sulphur, magnesium and calcium are required for optimum crop growth. Sulphur is especially important in the initial growth stages, to produce essential amino acids, proteins, and oils. Magnesium is needed for photosynthesis, converting light into chemical energy for nutritional purposes. Calcium is particularly important for the yield, quality and shelf life of fruit and vegetables.

Each plant nutrient has unique physiological functions which cannot be replaced by any other nutrient. As crops take up nutrients from the soil, a large part of these nutrients are removed from the field when the crops are harvested. While some nutrients can be returned to the field through crop residues and other organic matter, this alone cannot provide optimum fertilization and crop yields over time. This is why in order to grow enough food farmers augment the organic matter with specialized fertilizers that aid their crops best.

Ammonium sulfate application: Fertilizers