Ammonium Sulfate Key Terms

Learn more about ammonium sulfate and fertilizer terminology
By Nikki Davis Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt that has many commercial uses. One of its main uses, though, is that of an artificial fertilizer for alkaline soils. Ammonium sulfate is made up of 21% nitrogen as ammonium cations, and 24% sulfur as sulfate anions, and it is used to reduce soil pH. When applied to the soil, ammonium sulfate's sulfate ion is released and forms bisulfate, which lowers the pH balance in the soil. This in turn helps contribute towards essential nitrogen for plant growth.

Being familiar with terminology and definitions surrounding ammonium sulfate can help you whether you are the maker of the compound, the distributor or the user of the product. All involved should be aware not only of its uses but its safety precautions as well. Familiarizing yourself with the words involved will help you communicate better with your customers and business associates, and it will also help you become more efficient with your transactions. Those working with chemicals should also know definitions of the chemicals and the related terms before handling the products .

Inorganic salt

Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt, which means that it is a salt made from inorganic component ions such as chloride. Salts are made of cations and anions and the overall composition is electrically neutral.
Try:  Learn more about the inorganic salt properties of ammonium sulfate from Chemicalland21.com.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers are chemical compounds used to promote plant growth. They can either be applied to the ground or for uptake through the leaves.
Try:  Find out more about ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer from Rural King.

Alkaline soils

Alkaline soils are clay soils that have a high pH (generally greater than a pH of 9). They also have a poor soil structure as well as a low infiltration capacity.
Try:  Learn more about alkaline soils from the National Home Gardening Club.

Cations

Cations happen when there are more protons than electrons in a molecule, thus giving it a positive charge.
Try:  Take simple look at cations from Clackamas Community College.

Anions

Anions happen when there are more electrons than protons in a molecule, thus giving it a negative charge.
Try:  Find out more about anions from Launceston College.

pH

pH means the acidity or basicity of a compound. Items are measured on a pH scale that has been established by international agreement.
Try:  Find out the relationship of pH to plants from PlanTea.