The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has recommended ammonium sulphate as an affordable fertilizer option for paddy cultivation. This topic is important for aspirants preparing through UPSC online coaching, IAS coaching in Hyderabad, and UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
Ammonium Sulphate
• Ammonium sulphate is an inorganic salt produced by reacting sulphuric acid with ammonia.
• It is widely used in agriculture and industry because of its nutrient content, solubility, and stability.
Properties
• White, odourless crystalline solid with a high melting point.
• Highly soluble in water, making it effective for soil application.
• Contains about 21% nitrogen and 24% sulphur, both essential nutrients for plant growth.
• Available as a by product from steel plants through coke oven gas recovery and from chemical industries.
Applications
Agriculture
• Used as a nitrogen fertilizer, particularly effective in alkaline soils.
• Supplies sulphur, which improves protein synthesis in crops such as pulses and oilseeds.
• Recommended for balanced nutrient management in paddy cultivation.
Industrial Uses
• Water Treatment: Used in purification processes.
• Food Industry: Functions as a dough conditioner and food additive.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used in protein purification processes.
• Textile and Leather Industry: Applied in dyeing and printing operations.
Significance for India
• Acts as an affordable alternative to expensive fertilizers like urea.
• Helps address sulphur deficiency in Indian soils, which is increasingly common due to intensive farming.
• Supports balanced fertilization under schemes such as the Soil Health Card Programme.
• Can improve crop productivity and nutrient efficiency in agriculture.
• Reduces excessive dependence on imported fertilizers.
Relevance for UPSC
• Important for GS3 Agriculture, food security, soil health, and fertilizer management.
• Relevant for questions related to sustainable agriculture, balanced nutrient management, and government agricultural initiatives.
Students preparing through Hyderabad IAS coaching, IAS coaching, and civils coaching in Hyderabad should note the role of balanced fertilizers in improving long term agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
Ammonium sulphate is a low cost dual nutrient fertilizer that plays an important role in Indian agriculture. Wider adoption can improve crop productivity, restore soil health, and reduce dependence on costly fertilier imports while supporting sustainable farming practices.
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