Ammonium Sulphate (Ammonium Sulfate) Fertilizer: Uses, Benefits, and Best Application

Many farms lose yield to hidden soil limits. High soil pH locks nutrients. Uneven nitrogen and sulphur starve crops. Use ammonium sulphate to feed plants fast and gently lower the pH where needed.

Ammonium sulphate (ammonium sulfate) fertilizer is a highly soluble granular nitrogen and sulphur source, with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄. It supplies ammonium nitrogen for plant growth and sulfate sulphur, works well on alkaline soils, and is valued for reliability, blending ease, and its mild acidifying effect on the soil.

Ammonium Sulphate

As a leading Chinese manufacturer and exporter of high-quality fertilizer products, we help Agricultural Distributors & Importers, Commercial Farm Owners & Cooperatives, Government & NGO Agricultural Projects, and Fertilizer Brand Owners (OEM Clients) deploy ammonium sulphate at scale—with steady quality, custom packaging, and fast global delivery.

What is ammonium sulphate (ammonium sulfate) and why do growers choose it?

Ammonium sulphate (also spelled ammonium sulfate) delivers two essential nutrient elements in one prill: ammonium nitrogen and sulfate sulphur. The chemical formula is (NH₄)₂SO₄. In the soil, the ammonium form holds to clay and organic matter, reducing leaching compared with nitrate alone. The sulfate is immediately available and soluble in water.

Because ammonium sulfate is often used on alkaline soils, growers see a gentle pH shift. The product’s high solubility means it dissolves fast in moisture, making it practical for broadcast, drill, fertigation, and blends. For many regions with large areas of high pH and arid climates, the potential of ammonium sulfate to feed nitrogen and sulphur efficiently is compelling.

“In neutral to alkaline conditions, the use of ammonium sulphate is a simple, practical nitrogen fertilisers to use choice that also supplies sulfate-S.”

Explore our Ammonium Sulphate (Caprolactam Grade) supplier options for granular and crystal specs.
Ammonium Sulphate (Caprolactam Grade) supplier

Chemical properties and synthesis (simple science you can trust)

• Chemical properties. Ammonium sulphate is highly soluble, crystalline, stable, and flows well. Typical analysis: 21% nitrogen (as ammonium) and 24% sulphur (as sulfate). It stays put better than pure nitrate forms at the soil surface.
• Industrial synthesis. It is produced by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid—a clean, efficient synthesis route widely used in our plant. This process produces ammonium sulfate safely and consistently.
• Blending behavior. It pairs well with many fertilizer materials like potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and calcium sulfate (gypsum) without caking when stored correctly.

Quick reference table

Need water-ready blends? See Water-soluble NPK fertilizers for fertigation.
Water-soluble NPK fertilizers for fertigation

How ammonium behaves in soil: pH, stability, and plant uptake

Once applied, the form of ammonium sticks to exchange sites. Over time, soil microbes convert it to nitrate (nitrification). In alkaline soils or calcareous zones, ammonium sulphate provides a slight acidic push that can lower the pH in the microsite right around each granule, improving nutrients for plant uptake.

Soil pH matters. Many crops struggle when the content of the soil bicarbonate is high. According to the LUCAS 2015 topsoil survey, areas of high pH soils are widespread in Europe’s drier belts. In such settings, using ammonium sulphate supports steady crop growth because sulfate-S is plant-ready and ammonium N is stable near the prill.

Remember: Always soil test first. A good soil test reveals pH, sulfur status, and your best time to apply.

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NPK 15-15-15 compound fertilizer manufacturer

How ammonium behaves in soil

Benefits of ammonium vs other nitrogen fertilisers

Benefits of ammonium in fertilizer form include reduced leaching risk versus straight nitrate sources and lower ammonia volatilization risk compared with surface-applied urea under the same conditions. The sulfate fraction fuels chlorophyll, enzymes, and seed protein, often improving crop yields where S is short.

Benefits of ammonium sulphate in particular:

• Two nutrients in one pass (nitrogen and sulphur).
• Works well as an acidic fertilizer in alkaline zones.
• Consistent quality and flow in blends.
• Versatile fertilizer application options: broadcast, band, fertigation.

Advantages and disadvantages

When and how to apply ammonium sulfate fertilizer (best practice)

Before you apply ammonium sources, confirm crop need and pH with a soil test. In cool, moist springs or low-S soils, the sulfate helps early plant growth. The best time to apply is typically pre-plant or at early crop stages; in sandier fields, split-apply to match uptake.

Application pointers

• Apply ammonium sulfate uniformly on the soil surface before incorporation or rain.
• In no-till, consider a light incorporation where feasible to reduce ammonia gas loss.
• You can also apply ammonium sulphate in-row at reduced rates, or through fertigation where the product’s high solubility makes mixing easy.

Rate guidance is always local—work with agronomy support and your soil test results rather than copying neighbors. We supply calculators and training to every buyer.

When and how to apply ammonium sulfate fertilizer

Managing ammonia volatilization and emissions (keep your N working)

Most fertilizers are subject to ammonia loss when left on a dry, high-pH soil surface. That loss comes from NH3 (ammonia gas) formation. With ammonium sulphate, the sulfate acidifies the microsite, so emission from ammonium sulphate is often lower than from surface urea under similar conditions. Still, timing and moisture matter.

Key steps to reduce ammonia volatilization:

• Target cool, moist conditions; avoid hot, windy afternoons.
• Incorporate lightly or apply before forecast rain.
• Avoid heavy residues that keep granules perched dry.
  These basics also cut volatilization from synthetic fertilizers beyond just ammonium sources.

Compatibility and blends: building smart fertilizer programs

Ammonium sulfate is a flexible partner in blends with potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and calcium sulfate (gypsum, mainly calcium sulphate dihydrate). These mixes serve crops needing both K and S (e.g., oilseeds) or where structure and calcium are priorities.

You can also co-apply with organic fertilizer or manures. When synthetic fertilizers and animal manures are combined, time your passes so fertilizers and animal manures applied don’t overlap in a way that spikes surface pH. This is especially true on arable lands and grasslands where animal manures applied to arable fields or manures applied to arable lands could raise localized pH and gas loss if conditions are hot and dry.

Applications of ammonium sulfate across crops and soils

Common applications of ammonium sulfate include cereals, oilseeds, legumes, and forage systems short on S. The sulfate helps protein build and nodulation in legumes, while ammonium steadies early growth. Drip systems also benefit because the material is soluble and moves well.

Broader applications of ammonium in mixed programs: in orchards, the ammonium side feeds early leaf-out; in vegetables, banded ammonium can reduce leaching versus pure nitrate. Where you use ammonium sources in calcareous zones, the mild acidifying effect is a plus.

Comparing different fertilizer sources (know your tools)

• Ammonium nitrate: quick N, but transport-regulated in some countries.
• Ammonium chloride: strong chloride; fine for rice and some crops, not for chloride-sensitive species.
• Urea: high N %, but watch surface loss on high pH.
• Ammonium sulfate: balanced N + S, pH help on alkaline soils, very highly soluble.

The right different fertilizer depends on your target, soil, and logistics. We help design programs that match the physical and chemical needs of your blends, field conditions, and equipment.

Real-world case: distributor lift in oilseed protein (Africa)

A regional importer serving arable lands and grasslands faced low oilseed protein. By switching a portion of their n fertilizer to ammonium sulfate early, then finishing with nitrate, they improved crop growth uniformity and end-use quality. After one season, they reported stronger crop yields and smoother handling in the warehouse thanks to clean, non-caking granules.

Our manufacturing, QA, and OEM support (why partner with us)

We operate modern granulation and crystal lines with tight particle control. Each lot is checked for analysis, caking, dust, and flow. We offer private-label bags, bulk containers, and just-in-time shipping. As your fertilizer partner, we tailor specs so buyers receive the form of ammonium sulfate that best matches their climate and equipment.

Why it matters to you

• Consistent analysis. Every shipment hits spec.
• Custom logistics. From port to farm gate, we handle it.
• OEM/ODM. We support new brands for Fertilizer Brand Owners.
• Training. Simple playbooks on how to apply ammonium sulfate with less loss and better response.

Data box: quick facts and references

Global S use is rising as soils intensify and atmospheric deposition falls. In many regions, sulfate-S response is now common. Pairing N and S in one pass keeps programs simple and effective.

Relative solubility at 25 °C (g/L, indicative)

Ammonium sulfate ██████████████
Potassium sulfate ████████
Calcium sulfate   █

Note: Values are illustrative; always consult local guides.

Selected sources for deeper reading

• FAO: Fertilizer and plant nutrition basics
• JRC: LUCAS 2015 Topsoil Survey overview
• International Fertilizer Association (IFA): Nitrogen & Sulfur agronomy
• University Extension pages on ammonium sulfate and volatilization

Frequently asked questions

Is ammonium sulphate the same as ammonium sulfate?
Yes—two spellings for the same fertilizer. Both deliver ammonium nitrogen and sulfate sulphur to the soil.

Will it acidify my field too much?
It has a mild acidifying effect around each granule. That helps on alkaline soils. If pH is already low, choose another source or blend; always soil test first.

How is it made and is it safe to handle?
It’s produced by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid in a controlled synthesis. It is dry, stable, and easy to store. Follow normal handling for granular fertilizer.

Can I blend it with potassium sulphate or magnesium sulphate?
Yes, it blends well with potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and calcium sulfate. Keep storage dry to prevent caking.

Does ammonium sulfate lose nitrogen to the air?
All fertilizers are subject to ammonia risk if misapplied. With ammonium sulfate, emission from ammonium sulphate is generally lower than from surface urea under the same dry, high pH conditions. Apply before rain or incorporate lightly to reduce ammonia volatilization.

Where does it fit among nitrogen fertilisers?
It’s one of the most practical nitrogen fertilisers to use when you need N + S, especially in areas of high pH soils.

Summary takeaways

• Ammonium sulphate fertilizer supplies ammonium nitrogen and sulfate sulphur in one, highly soluble source.
• It’s ideal for alkaline soils where a light acidifying effect is helpful.
• Manage ammonia volatilization by timing to moisture or light incorporation.
• It blends well with potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and calcium sulfate.
• Start with a soil test, then apply ammonium sulfate to match crop stage and S needs.
• Our factory delivers steady quality, OEM/ODM options, and global logistics support.