Diammonium Phosphate in the form of hydrogen phosphate is used in the agricultural sector, where it is used as a compound fertiliser.
Information
Because of its nutrient composition, DAP is also referred to as 18-46-0 in the trade. Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is a highly
water-soluble nitrogen phosphate used in a number of multi- component fertiliser mixtures as well as in directly applied compound fertilisers. Aside from Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), it is the world’s most commonly used phosphate fertiliser, with annual production reaching almost 50 million mt. Phosphates are mined in the form of rock phosphate. Phosphates react with sulphuric acid to produce phosphoric acid, which in turn reacts with ammonia. This process converts the poorly water-soluble rock phosphate into a water-soluble phosphate fertiliser that is easily assimilated by plants. DAP is a grey or beige-grey granular substance. DAP is sometimes impregnated with a dust-suppressant oil, giving it a dark brown colouring.
Features
• High analysis source of phosphorus.
• DAP releases free ammonium. Nitrogen in the ammonium form resists leaching and is a slower release form of nitrogen.
• The free ammonium gives a higher pH reaction immediately around the granule.
• The low cost of nitrogen in DAP makes it a cost effective source of nitrogen if phosphorus is also required