The Importance of Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia is an essential source of nitrogen for crops. Nitrogen is a critical nutrient in the growth and development of plants. Without enough nitrogen, plants may become stunted or even die. Anhydrous ammonia is a cost-effective way to provide crops with the nitrogen they need.
Calculating the Amount of Anhydrous Ammonia Needed
Calculating the amount of anhydrous ammonia needed for a particular crop can be difficult. Many factors need to be considered, such as the type of crop, the soil type, and the desired yield. One common method for determining the amount of anhydrous ammonia needed is to calculate the pounds of nitrogen per acre.
What is a Pound of Nitrogen per Acre?
A pound of nitrogen per acre is the amount of nitrogen needed to produce one bushel of corn per acre. For example, if a farmer wants to produce 200 bushels of corn per acre and the crop requires 1.2 pounds of nitrogen per bushel, then the farmer would need to apply 240 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
How Many Pounds of Anhydrous Ammonia for One Pound of Nitrogen?
Anhydrous ammonia contains 82% nitrogen. Therefore, to calculate the pounds of anhydrous ammonia needed for one pound of nitrogen, you need to divide by 0.82. For example, if a farmer needs to apply 240 pounds of nitrogen per acre, they would need to apply 293 pounds of anhydrous ammonia per acre (240 / 0.82 = 293).
Factors to Consider When Applying Anhydrous Ammonia
When applying anhydrous ammonia, there are several factors to consider. These include:
Soil Temperature
Anhydrous ammonia needs to be applied when the soil temperature is below 50°F. This is because at higher temperatures, the ammonia can quickly convert to a gas and escape into the atmosphere before it has a chance to be absorbed by the soil.
Soil Moisture
The soil needs to have enough moisture to ensure that the anhydrous ammonia is absorbed by the soil. If the soil is too dry, the ammonia can remain in the gaseous state and be lost to the atmosphere.
Application Depth
Anhydrous ammonia needs to be injected into the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. This helps to ensure that the ammonia is absorbed by the soil and not lost to the atmosphere.
Conclusion
Anhydrous ammonia is an essential source of nitrogen for crops. Calculating the amount of anhydrous ammonia needed can be challenging, but by considering factors such as soil temperature, moisture, and application depth, farmers can ensure that their crops receive the nitrogen they need to grow and thrive.