Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 is an inorganic salt that has several commercial uses. The most common use is as a soil fertilizer. It contains 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur. Ammonium sulfate is primarily used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils. In the soil, the ammonium ion is released and forms a small amount of acid, which lowers the soil’s pH balance and provides essential nitrogen for plant growth. The main drawback of ammonium sulfate is its lower nitrogen content compared to ammonium nitrate, which increases transportation costs. It is also used as an agricultural spray adjuvant for water-soluble insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Its function is to bind the iron and calcium cations found in well water and plant cells. It is particularly effective as an adjuvant for the herbicides 2,4-D (amine), glyphosate, and glufosinate.

What is ammonium sulfate used for? Ammonium sulfate is mainly used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils. In the soil, the ammonium ion is released and forms a small amount of acid, which lowers the soil’s pH balance and provides essential nitrogen for plant growth.