AMMONIUM CALCIUM BALANCE

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Abstract
A high analysis fertilizer consisting of (NH4)2HPO4, KNO3, and KC1 supplying N, P2O5, and K2O in a ratio of 17.5-30.0-17.5 was injurious to cotton seedling roots. When used in pot cultures at a rate comparable to a moderate field application the (NH4)2HPO4 was the component causing the damage. A similar injury was noted with (NH4)H2PO4 furnishing an equivalent amount of N, but other ammonium salts were not injurious. Ca and Mg salts were effective remedies when used with (NH4)2HPO4. A similar injury was noted when NH4OH was used in the same manner as was the (NH4)2HPO4. This was also controlled by the use of CaSO4. It is concluded that the injury observed was caused by the free ammonia formed by hydrolysis of the (NH4) 2HPO4 and that the beneficial effect of the added Ca salt was due in part to a reaction by which the concentration of free ammonia was reduced and in part to a physiological antagonism. The work establishes the value of soluble Ca salts in fertilizer mixtures that furnish easily hydrolysable ammonium compounds.

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