Anhydrous ammonia for vegetable crops: Could it be a viable proposition?

Factsheet developed by the Applied Horticultural Research (AHR).

What is anhydrous ammonia? 

Anhydrous ammonia is the most concentrated form of nitrogen (N) fertiliser, containing 82% available N. 

Ammonia, which is normally a gas, can be converted into a liquid under high pressure, making it easier to transport and apply to the soil. 

Once injected into the soil, anhydrous ammonia reacts with water in the soil to produce ammonium, which can either be held in the soil, or converted to nitrate for uptake by the plant roots. 

Anhydrous ammonia is supplied in Australia by Incitec- Pivot Fertilisers, predominantly to the cotton and grain industries, and supply locations are focused around the areas these crops are produced. 

Anhydrous ammonia can have beneficial effects on soil microbes, nitrifying bacteria and worms. It can also increase N retention in the soil, reducing nitrate leaching, resulting in yield and nitrogen-use-efficiency benefits. 

Anhydrous ammonia in vegetable crops – what do we know? 

Incorporating anhydrous ammonia into vegetable cropping systems can provide a range of benefits to producers such as increased soil health, reduced cost, increased yield and reduced environmental impact from a reduction in nitrate leaching.