Ammonia water has found quite wide application in, and this is primarily due to its cheapness and ease of use. Nowadays, chemical plants produce two grades of this substance. Grade “A” is used for various industrial needs, and grade “B” is used in agriculture. The latter will be discussed in this article.
Description and composition
Simply put, ammonia water is a solution of ammonia in water. Externally, it is a transparent liquid, which can sometimes have a yellowish tint. It has a sharp specific aroma, reminiscent of the smell of rotten eggs.
Did you know? A 10% ammonium solution has found wide use in medicine and is called “ammonia.”
The chemical formula of this substance is NH4OH
. The percentage of ammonia in this solution is usually about 30%: 70% is water, and approximately 24.6%. 
In order to obtain such a solution, coke or synthetic ammonia is dissolved under a pressure of 2 atmospheres.
Impact on the garden
Ammonia water is actively used for gardening, which is due to its cheapness and ease of use. For example, the price of a liter of this solution starts from 10 rubles per kg, while a kilogram of ammonium nitrate costs at least 25 rubles. 
Ammonia-based fertilizer is suitable for almost any crop, which makes it one of the most popular and widely used on the market.
On the ground
The use of this fertilizer is relevant on a wide variety of soil types. It is always worth remembering that this substance has an alkaline reaction, and therefore it can change.
The best effect was recorded when applied to well-cultivated land, which contains a large amount. 
This effect is due to the fact that in such soils the process of ammonia absorption occurs much more intensively than on poor and light soils, which, in turn, indicates that plants absorb a much larger amount of nitrogen, which is part of ammonia water.
Did you know? Nitrogen, the main component of ammonia,- one of the most common elements on Earth and the main component of air (78.09%).
On dry soil and soil with a light mechanical composition, the effectiveness of ammonium hydrate will be slightly lower due to its high volatility. Ammonia simply evaporates from the treated area if it is not sealed to a sufficient depth. 
When using ammonia water on cohesive soils that are highly resistant to erosion and particle disintegration (for example, loam), it is worth adhering to a special temperature regime, since high temperatures will contribute to the rapid disintegration of the molecules of the substance.
The optimal period for application would be early spring, when the average daily temperature does not yet exceed 10 °C.
For culture
The use of ammonium hydrate will have an extremely favorable effect on crops for which a high protein content is a positive property, for example, barley. This is due to the fact that ammonia increases the concentration of this substance in plants. 
Ammonium hydrate, like any other nitrogenous hydrate, helps to intensify photosynthesis processes in plants and increases the growth of green mass.
Find out what methods exist for sowing winter barley.
In this regard, it is extremely important to comply with application rates, since there is a possibility of getting a low yield, but at the same time with a fairly intensive stem and leaves.
Application methods and rates
Self-treatment with ammonia water is not a tricky business. It is enough to simply irrigate selected areas of land with the solution at a depth of 10 cm on heavy soils and about 15 cm on light soils. This technique is generally accepted in the world and is called "fertigation".
Important! Fertigation will be extremely ineffective in hot weather due to excessive evaporation of the active substance.
The best time for such processing is considered to be the autumn period, approximately six months before the start of the active summer season. 
But it is not excluded that fertilization may also be carried out in the spring as part of comprehensive measures to prepare for sowing.
Now it’s worth saying a few words about application rates:
- If plants are planted in narrow rows or the land intended for planting grain crops is fertilized, ammonium hydrate is poured using specialized equipment. The spacing between the coulters is approx. 25–30 cm, and the amount of water needed for 1 ha - about 50 kg.
- When cultivating large areas where it is planned to plant vegetable crops, fertilizer is applied between the rows. Norms - about 60 kg per 1 ha.
- When using ammonia water for industrial agricultural crops, it should be remembered that the standards are slightly increased - up to 70 kg per 1 ha.
Precautionary measures
Ammonia and its derivatives belong to the 4th hazard class according to GOST, which means they are insignificant, but still present a danger to humans. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out processing using special protective measures (protective suit, gloves, respirator, protective gloves). 
High concentrations of ammonium in the air can cause nausea, dizziness, disorientation, abdominal pain, coughing and suffocation. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately stop processing and leave the area saturated with ammonia vapor.
A colorless gas with a pungent odor, ammonia NH 3 not only dissolves well in water and releases heat. The substance actively interacts with H 2 O molecules to form a weak alkali. The solution received several names, one of them is ammonia water. The compound has amazing properties, which include the method of formation, composition and
Ammonium ion formation
The formula of ammonia water is NH 4 OH. The substance contains the NH 4 + cation, which is formed by non-metals - nitrogen and hydrogen. The N atoms in the ammonia molecule use only 3 of the 5 outer electrons to form, leaving one pair unclaimed. In a highly polarized water molecule, the hydrogen protons H+ are weakly bound to oxygen, one of them becomes a donor of a free nitrogen electron pair (acceptor).
An ammonium ion is formed with one positive charge and a special type of weak covalent bond - donor-acceptor. In its size, charge and some other features, it resembles a potassium cation and behaves like a chemically unusual compound that reacts with acids and forms salts that are of great practical importance. Names that reflect the characteristics of the preparation and properties of the substance:
- ammonium hydroxide;
- ammonia hydrate;
- caustic ammonium.
Precautionary measures
Care must be taken when working with ammonia and its derivatives. Important to remember:
- Ammonia water has an unpleasant odor. The released gas irritates the mucous surface of the nasal cavity, eyes, and causes coughing.
- When stored in loosely closed bottles or ampoules, ammonia is released.
- Even small amounts of gas in solution and air can be detected without instruments, only by smell.
- The ratio between molecules and cations in a solution changes at different pH levels.
- At a value of about 7, the concentration of the toxic gas NH 3 decreases, and the amount of NH 4 + cations, which are less harmful to living organisms, increases
Preparation of ammonium hydroxide. Physical properties
When ammonia dissolves in water, ammonia water is formed. The formula of this substance is NH 4 OH, but in fact there are ions present at the same time
NH 4 + , OH - , NH 3 and H 2 O molecules. In the chemical reaction of ion exchange between ammonia and water, an equilibrium state is established. The process can be reflected using a diagram in which oppositely directed arrows indicate the reversibility of the phenomena.
In the laboratory, ammonia water is obtained through experiments with nitrogen-containing substances. When ammonia is mixed with water, a clear, colorless liquid is obtained. At high pressures, the solubility of the gas increases. Water releases more ammonia dissolved in it as the temperature rises. For industrial needs and agriculture, a 25% substance is obtained on an industrial scale by dissolving ammonia. The second method involves using a reaction with water.
Chemical properties of ammonium hydroxide
When two liquids come into contact - ammonia water and hydrochloric acid - they become covered in clouds of white smoke. It consists of particles of the reaction product - ammonium chloride. With a volatile substance such as hydrochloric acid, the reaction occurs directly in the air.
Slightly alkaline chemical properties of ammonia hydrate:
- The substance dissociates reversibly in water to form ammonium cation and hydroxide ion.
- In the presence of the NH 4 + ion, a colorless solution of phenolphthalein turns crimson, as in alkalis.
- Chemical interaction with acids leads to the formation of ammonium salts and water: NH 4 OH + HCl = NH 4 Cl + H 2 O.
- Ammonia water enters into ion exchange reactions with metal salts, which correspond to the formation of a water-insoluble hydroxide: 2NH 4 OH + CuCl 2 = 2NH 4 Cl + Cu(OH) 2 (blue precipitate).
Ammonia water: application in various sectors of the economy
The unusual substance is widely used in everyday life, agriculture, medicine, and industry. Technical ammonia hydrate is used in agriculture, the production of soda ash, dyes and other types of products. Liquid fertilizer contains nitrogen in a form that is easily absorbed by plants. The substance is considered the cheapest and most effective for application in the pre-sowing period for all agricultural crops.
The production of ammonia water requires three times less money than the production of solid granular nitrogen fertilizers. Hermetically sealed steel tanks are used to store and transport liquids. Some types of dyes and hair bleaching products are made using ammonium hydroxide. Every medical institution has preparations with ammonia - a 10% ammonia solution.
Ammonium salts: properties and practical significance
Substances that are obtained by reacting ammonium hydroxide with acids are used in economic activities. Salts decompose when heated, dissolve in water, and undergo hydrolysis. They enter into chemical reactions with alkalis and other substances. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates and
It is very important to follow the rules and safety measures when working with substances that contain ammonium ion. When stored in warehouses of industrial and agricultural enterprises, in subsidiary farms, there should be no contact of such compounds with lime and alkalis. If the seal of the packages is broken, a chemical reaction will begin with the release of poisonous gas. Anyone who has to work with ammonia water and its salts must know the basics of chemistry. Subject to compliance with safety requirements, the substances used will not cause harm to people and the environment.
Chemical formula: NH4OH
We offer a 25% solution of aqueous technical grade B ammonia (GOST 9-92).
Used as: mineral fertilizer (grade B); solvent of organic compounds, binding agent stabilizing chlorine (grade A with permitting documentation in the form of SEZ).
Not a stable product - during long-term storage, ammonia “leaves” from a saturated 25-27% solution - the concentration of the main substance can be reduced to 19-20%, therefore, in order to avoid loss of quality, it is necessary to comply with the storage conditions of this product in an airtight container. We have the ability to supply aqueous technical ammonia 25% using a specialized tank truck.
Trivial names: ammonia water 25%, technical aqueous ammonia, ammonia solution, aqueous ammonia solution, nitric water, ammonia, ammonia.
CAS No.: 1336-21-6
Hazard Class: 4
Density (g/dm3) at 20C: 0,901-0,9164
Appearance: transparent colorless liquid.
Physico-chemical indicators of technical aqueous ammonia 25%
|
Indicator name |
Standard for NH3H2O grade "B" |
|
Mass fraction of ammonia, % not less |
|
|
Mass fraction of ammonia in terms of nitrogen, % not less than |
20,5 |
|
Mass concentration of non-volatile residue, g/dm3 no more |
Not standardized |
|
Mass concentration of carbon dioxide, g/dm3 no more |
Note: When transporting an aqueous solution of ammonia (ammonia water) GOST 9-92 grade A, turbidity of the product is allowed.
For those who are planning to buy technical aqueous ammonia from us, we offer steel tank trucks, IBC containers (Eurocubes) 1000 liters in a metal crate, PET barrels, PET canisters 10-30 liters for storage and transportation of raw materials. We also carry out filling into customer’s containers.
The weight of a container of ammonia water is 25% with a fill factor of 0.95 of the container volume:
|
Container type |
Net weight, kg |
Gross weight, kg |
|
PET canister 11.5 l |
10,00 |
10,45 |
|
PET canister 21.5 l |
20,00 |
20,85 |
|
PET canister 31.5 l |
29,00 |
30,20 |
|
PET drum 227 l |
198,00 |
210,00 |
|
IBC container (Eurocube) 1000 l (+50 l) |
920,00 |
980,00 |
|
Tank truck 5500 l |
4500-5000 |
|
|
Tank truck 13500 l |
12000-12400 |
|
|
Tank truck 15000 l |
13200-13500 |
|
|
Today, the chemical industry offers a large list of fertilizers containing nitrogen. This is not surprising, because the element is necessary for the development of all types of plants. One of the best nitrogen fertilizers is ammonia water. It is nitrogen that actively participates in metabolism and contributes to the rapid growth of green mass. This means that plants that receive enough nitrogen become stronger and healthier than those that are deficient. All this, of course, has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of the future harvest. Article outline
The chemical formula of ammonia water is NH4OH. In this case, the percentage of ammonia is approximately 30%: 70% is water, and 24.6% is nitrogen. To obtain ammonia water, synthetic or coke ammonia is dissolved under a pressure of 2 atmospheres. Ammonia has the ability to gradually erode from solution. Therefore, during long-term storage or unfavorable conditions, the fertilizer may become unsuitable for use. The density of ammonia water is just above 0.9 grams per cm3. Today, chemical plants produce 2 brands of ammonia water.
Due to its positive characteristics and economic benefits, ammonia water is used quite widely and for various crops. For example, ammonia water is used in the manufacture of refrigeration equipment as a refrigerant. In pharmacology, a 10% solution of ammonia water has the familiar name “ammonia.”
Benefits of Ammonia WaterDue to the positive properties of ammonia water, it is often used in agriculture on an industrial scale when cultivating large areas for various plants. This is due to a number of advantages. Among them: More recently, in the territory of the former Soviet Union, when fertilizing agricultural lands with nitrogen-containing compounds, approximately 40% was the application of ammonia water. In the United States today, about half of nitrogenous fertilizers are used exclusively in liquid form. Ammonia and its derivative substances, including ammonia water, belong to the fourth hazard class according to GOST. This means that they are low-hazard to humans, but working with them still carries some risks to human health. Therefore, certain precautions must be taken when storing, transporting and using ammonia water in agriculture.
The greatest danger lies in the effects of ammonia vapor on the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. Therefore, there is a need to use a respirator or gas mask. High concentrations of ammonia in the air from ammonia water can cause nausea, dizziness and severe stomach pain, as well as discomfort in the eyes, coughing and suffocation. In case of contact with skin or mucous membranes, there is a risk of chemical burns.
If, when working with an ammonia solution, the substance gets into contact with the organs of vision or other mucous membranes, as well as the skin of a person, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the affected area with clean boiled water. The victim should immediately consult a doctor for qualified medical assistance. If a burn occurs, you can put a lotion on it with a solution of acetic acid at a concentration of 5%. In case of ammonia vapor poisoning, it is necessary that the victim has the opportunity to breathe clean air. If suffocation begins, it is necessary to urgently use an oxygen bag. In emergency cases, it may be necessary to give the victim artificial respiration.
The use of ammonia water is relevant on various types of soil. It must be remembered that this substance has an alkaline reaction, and therefore it can change the acidity of the soil. The effect of ammonia water on various types of soil:
An additional positive effect on the soil that needs to be prepared for planting various crops is the repelling of harmful insects living in the ground.
It is possible to increase the effect of applying this fertilizer if you use organic fertilizers together with it. But at the same time, you should not use ammonia water and other substances containing ammonia in the same area for several years, because this can lead to the opposite result. The fact is that the substance can provoke mineralization of organic matter, and this will inevitably lead to a decrease in the level of its content in the soil. What equipment is used to add ammonia water?
Basic rates for applying ammonia waterLike many chemical fertilizers, if application rates are violated and used irrationally, ammonia water can harm plants. In such cases, damage to the root systems usually occurs, which will negatively affect the growth and development of plantings, and ultimately the harvest. If the concentration of ammonia in the soil is too high, plants may simply die.
But in order to protect plantings from an excess of ammonia, it is necessary to comply with the established standards:
Following these simple rules will help avoid the possible negative impact of ammonia on plantings. Ammonia water as a top dressingAmmonia water is used as a plant food as a nitrogen fertilizer. Its use is especially relevant for those crops in which a high protein content is a positive characteristic, since ammonia increases the concentration of this substance. For example, for barley, which is used in the production of beer drinks. Just like any nitrogen fertilizer, ammonia hydrate stimulates the growth of green mass. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the fertilizer application rates, because otherwise you can get a massive green part of the plants while reducing the amount of harvest. You also need to ensure that the substance gets into the soil and not onto the root system of the plants. It is important not to allow planting material to be introduced into the germination zone. Ammonia water should be below the seeding level or away from the furrows. It is advisable that the soil be moist when applying ammonia hydrate. Since the fertilizer tends to erode, watering with ammonia water is ineffective, because the active substance will evaporate from the soil. How to apply ammonia water to the soilThe addition of ammonia water is carried out using special equipment. This allows the substance to be embedded to the required depth, which prevents its evaporation from the soil. Typically this depth is approximately 10 centimeters on heavy soils, and more than 15 centimeters on light soils. Sometimes fertilizers are applied when irrigating a site. This method is called "fertigation". The main disadvantage of this method is the uneven distribution of the substance over the soil surface, as well as its possible evaporation in large quantities. Irrigation technology is especially ineffective on dry soils and in hot weather. The priority is to apply ammonia water to the ground in the fall, approximately six months before the start of sowing. As already mentioned, the procedure for fertilizing the soil is also possible in the spring, in preparation for sowing. Fertilizing radishes with ammonium nitrate
What problems might you encounter?Ammonia water is an effective and cost-effective fertilizer. There are no restrictions on its use for different crops and soil types. Moreover, after application in grain or potato plots, ammonia water is not inferior in terms of performance indicators. However, during agricultural work you may encounter some difficulties in using fertilizer:
Ammonia water is a chemical fertilizer that is colorless but has a pungent odor. Its use is quite cheap, which allows you to cultivate large areas of soil. This is especially true for growing crops on an industrial scale. Fertilizer not only enhances plant growth, but also protects them from earthen insects that harm plantings. Obtaining ammonia water is possible only in chemical laboratories and factories. Storage and use of the substance requires compliance with safety precautions. |
In simple terms, ammonia water is a solution of ammonia in water. Externally, it is a transparent liquid, which sometimes has a slightly yellowish tint. Has a sharp specific smell.
For example, if you add ammonia water below the level of planting seeds in the soil, in this way you can prevent the possible destruction of planting material by certain pests. This will have a positive effect on the quantitative characteristics of germination.