Ammonium Chloride (NH₄Cl, 24-0-0) is a widely used, fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer that delivers 24–25% nitrogen in the ammonium form. Its physiological acidity makes it particularly valuable for alkaline and calcareous soils, where it helps lower pH and improve the availability of phosphorus and micronutrients. For rice paddies, corn, wheat, and other chloride-tolerant crops, ammonium chloride offers an economical and effective nitrogen source.

I. Key Agronomic Benefits

High Nitrogen Content in Ammonium Form
With 24–25% nitrogen, ammonium chloride provides a concentrated source of ammonium‑N. The ammonium ion is held by soil colloids, reducing leaching losses compared to nitrate‑based fertilizers. This makes it especially suitable for flooded rice systems where denitrification can be a problem.

Physiological Acidity for Alkaline Soils
Ammonium chloride is a physiologically acid fertilizer. When plants take up ammonium, they release hydrogen ions, lowering soil pH around the root zone. This acidifying effect helps unlock fixed phosphorus and micronutrients (iron, zinc, manganese) in calcareous and high‑pH soils, improving overall fertility.

Cost‑Effective Nitrogen Source
Ammonium chloride is typically less expensive per kilogram of nitrogen than urea or ammonium sulfate, making it an attractive option for large‑scale rice production and other field crops where chloride is not a concern.

Suitable for Rice Paddies
In flooded rice, ammonium nitrogen is stable and less prone to denitrification than nitrate. Ammonium chloride provides a steady supply of nitrogen to rice plants throughout the growing season, leading to increased tillering, panicle number, and grain yield.

II. Important Considerations: Chloride Sensitivity

Ammonium chloride contains approximately 66% chloride (Cl⁻). While chloride is an essential micronutrient, many crops are sensitive to high levels. Do not use ammonium chloride on chloride‑sensitive crops such as:

• Tobacco
• Potatoes
• Citrus and berries
• Grapes
• Beans and many vegetables
• Stone fruits (peaches, plums)

On tolerant crops (rice, wheat, corn, barley, sugarcane, oil palm, cotton), ammonium chloride can be used safely and effectively, especially in high‑rainfall areas where chloride is leached from the root zone.

III. Application Guidelines

Soil Application (Rice, Corn, Wheat)

• Rate: 300–500 kg per hectare, depending on soil nitrogen status and yield goal.
  • Rice: 300–400 kg/ha, split into basal (50%) and top‑dress at tillering (50%).
  • Corn: 200–300 kg/ha at planting (banded) plus side‑dress at V6 (150–200 kg/ha).
  • Wheat: 200–300 kg/ha at tillering.
• Timing: Apply before planting or as a top‑dress. Incorporate into soil to minimise ammonia loss.
• Best practice: On alkaline soils, split applications reduce pH spikes and improve efficiency.

Fertigation (Where Soluble Grade is Used)

• Ammonium chloride is highly soluble (370 g/L at 20°C). However, chloride can accumulate in closed systems. Use only on chloride‑tolerant crops and ensure adequate leaching.

Not Recommended for Foliar Sprays

• High chloride content can cause leaf burn. Use only on tolerant crops at low concentrations (≤1%) and only when necessary.

IV. Technical Specifications (Agricultural Grade)

Chemical Properties

• Formula: NH₄Cl
• Nitrogen (N): 24.0–25.0% (ammonical)
• Chloride (Cl): 66% (approx.)
• Moisture: ≤ 1.0%

Physical Properties

• Appearance: White to off‑white crystalline powder or granules
• Bulk density: 700–800 kg/m³
• Solubility: 370 g/L at 20°C
• pH (1% solution): 4.5–5.5 (acidic)

Quality Standards

• Heavy metals: Cd ≤ 1 ppm, Pb ≤ 5 ppm, As ≤ 1 ppm
• Insoluble matter: ≤ 0.1%

V. Environmental and Soil Health

Soil Acidification
Repeated use of ammonium chloride on low‑buffering soils can lead to acidification. Monitor soil pH every 2–3 years and apply lime if needed. On alkaline soils, the acidifying effect is beneficial.

Chloride Accumulation
In arid regions or where leaching is limited, chloride can build up in the root zone. Use ammonium chloride only on tolerant crops and when rainfall or irrigation is sufficient to leach excess chloride.

Volatilization Loss
Like all ammonium fertilizers, ammonium chloride can lose ammonia when surface‑applied on warm, dry, alkaline soils. Incorporate within 2–3 days or apply before rain/irrigation.

VI. Quality Assurance and Certifications

Our ammonium chloride is produced in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified facilities. Each batch is tested for N content, chloride, moisture, and heavy metals. Certificates of Analysis accompany every shipment.

VII. Why Choose Our Ammonium Chloride

• High nitrogen concentration – 24–25% N reduces storage and transport costs.
• Effective in alkaline soils – Acidifying action improves nutrient availability.
• Economical – Lower cost per unit of nitrogen than many alternatives.
• Reliable for rice – Proven performance in paddy systems worldwide.
• Technical support – Our agronomists help with rate calculations, split‑application design, and chloride management.