RETENTION OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA BY SOIL

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Abstract
An apparatus and method are described for metering and dispensing high-pressure anhydrous NH3 fertilizer solutions into laboratory and greenhouse soil systems rapidly and with good precision. Liquid fertilizer systems successfully handled with the apparatus included: anhydrous NH,, NH3-NH4NO3-ZnO, and NH3-S. The distribution patterns of anhydrous NH3 in greenhouse pots of moist and air-dry Hartsells fine sandy loam 36 hr. after injection were well correlated with the apparent solubilization of soil organic matter and the resulting pH contour lines. A greater localization of NHg-N occurred near the injection point in moist than in air-dry soil, regardless of whether the anhydrous NH, was applied as a gas or liquid. The order of NH3 retention observed with a 3-cm radius around the injection point was: liquid NH3 in moist soil > gaseous NH3 in moist soil > liquid NH3 in air-dry soil > gaseous NH3 in air-dry soil. Most of the NH3 from a single injection of 680 mg NH3-N was subsequently found to be retained within a radius of 5 cm around the injection point.

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