The use of ammonia water in the garden

Ammonia water has found a fairly widespread use in horticulture, and this is due primarily to its low cost and ease of use. Nowadays, two brands of this substance are produced in chemical plants. Grade "A" is used for various industrial needs, and grade "B" is used as fertilizer in agriculture. On the latter and will be discussed in this article.

Description and composition

Simply put, ammonia water is a solution of ammonia in water. Externally, it is a clear liquid, which sometimes may have a yellowish tinge. It has a sharp specific aroma resembling the smell of rotten eggs.

The chemical formula of this substance is NH4OH. The percentage of ammonia in this solution, as a rule, is about 30%: 70% is water, and nitrogen is about 24.6%. In order to obtain such a solution, coke-chemical or synthetic ammonia is dissolved under pressure in 2 atmospheres.

Ammonia has high volatile properties and is able to erode from the solution, if it is not properly stored. Therefore, under adverse conditions, it may well be unsuitable for use. The density of ammonia water is about 0.9 g per 1 cu. cm.

Impact on the garden

Ammonia water is actively used in the garden, which is associated with its low cost and ease of use. For example, the price of a liter of this solution starts at 10 rubles per kg, while a kilogram of ammonium nitrate costs at least 25 rubles. The ammonia-based fertilizer is suitable for almost any crop, making it one of the most popular and widely used mineral fertilizers on the market.

On the ground

The use of this fertilizer is important on a variety of soil types. It is always necessary to remember that this substance is alkaline, and therefore it can change the acidity of the soil.

The best effect is recorded when applied to well-cultivated land and soil, which contains a large amount of humus. A similar effect is obtained due to the fact that in such soils the process of absorption of ammonia is much more intense than on poor and light soils, which, in turn, indicates thatthat plants absorb much more nitrogen, which is part of the ammonia water.

On dry soil and soil with a light texture, the efficiency of ammonium hydrate will be slightly lower due to its high volatility. Ammonia simply evaporates from the treated area, if you do not close it to a sufficient depth. When using ammonia water on bound soils that are highly resistant to erosion and decay of particles (eg, loams), it is worth adhering to a special temperature regime, since high temperatures will contribute to the early decomposition of the substance molecules.

The optimum period of application will be early spring, when the average daily temperature does not exceed 10 ° C.

On culture

The use of ammonium hydrate will be extremely favorable in cultures for which an increased protein content is a positive property, for example, for barley.This is due to the fact that ammonia increases the concentration of this substance in plants. Ammonium hydrate, like any other nitrogenous feed, contributes to the intensification of photosynthesis in plants and increases the green mass.

In this regard, it is extremely important to comply with the norms of application, since there is a chance to get low yields, but at the same time - a plant with a rather intense stem and leaves.

Ways and rates of introduction

Self-treatment with ammonia water is not a tricky business. It is sufficient to irrigate with a solution of selected plots of land at a depth of 10 cm on heavy soils and about 15 cm on light ones. This technique is common in gardening and has the name "fertigation".

The best period for such treatment is the autumn period, approximately six months before the start of the active summer season. But fertilization is not ruled out in the spring as part of complex preparations for sowing.

Now it is worth saying a few words about the rates of:

1. In case the plants are planted in narrow rows or the land intended for planting crops is fertilized, ammonium hydrate is poured with the help of specialized equipment. Spacing between coulters is about 25-30 cmand the amount of water needed on 1 ha - about 50 kg.
2. Processing large areas on which the planting of vegetable crops is planned, fertilizer is introduced into the aisle. Norms - about 60 kg per 1 ha.
3. Using ammonia water for industrial crops, it should be remembered that the rates are somewhat increased - up to 70 kg per 1 ha.

Precautionary measures

Ammonia and its derivatives belong to the 4th class of hazard according to GOST, which means that they are insignificant, but still present to humans. In this connection, it is recommended to carry out the treatment using special measures of protection (protective suit, gloves, respirator, protective gloves). High concentrations of ammonium in the air can cause nausea, dizziness, loss of orientation, abdominal pain, coughing and choking. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately stop treatment and leave the area saturated with ammonia fumes.

In case of contact with skin or mucous membranes, it is recommended to wash them with a large amount of clean boiled water and in case of complications, seek medical help.

Storage features

Containers for storage of ammonium hydrate can serve as steel tanks with hermetic properties, as well as fuel tanks. Often, ammonia water is delivered by the manufacturer in special tanks, which must be returned after a certain period of time. If you intend to store ammonium hydrate at your dacha, keep in mind its volatile properties and look for containers that have good sealing properties, otherwise the entire potential of this fertilizer will simply evaporate.

This fertilizer, despite the small danger it represents, is perfect for any gardener, both with experience and a novice.

Observing all precautions, you will undoubtedly benefit greatly from the use of this substance. Good luck to you and your garden!