Nutrient Composition and Agronomic Importance
Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate supplies nitrogen primarily in the ammoniacal form alongside water-soluble phosphate and sulfate sulfur.
The presence of 13% sulfur makes it superior to standard DAP in sulfur-deficient soils, particularly for oilseed and pulse production.
- 20% Ammoniacal Nitrogen: Provides steady, non-leaching starter nitrogen that promotes early vegetative tillering and leaf development.
- 20% Phosphate (P2O5): High water-solubility stimulates strong seedling root branching, early nodulation in legumes, and energy transfer.
- 13% Sulphate Sulphur: Immediately available for root absorption, driving the synthesis of essential amino acids (methionine, cysteine) and increasing oil percentage in oilseeds.
- Non-caking granules: Free-flowing, uniform granules suitable for mechanical seed-cum-fertilizer drill application.
Application Timing and Recommended Crops
APS 20-20-0-13 is designed primarily for basal soil application at the time of final land preparation or crop sowing.
Supplying sulfur at planting ensures adequate nutrient availability during initial vegetative growth.
- Oilseeds: Highly recommended for mustard, groundnut, soybean, and sunflower to boost seed oil content.
- Pulses: Ideal for chickpea, pigeonpea, and lentil crops to stimulate root nodule development and protein synthesis.
- Cereals & sugarcane: Applied as a basal starter fertilizer for paddy, wheat, and sugarcane planting.
- Soil placement: Drill or place fertilizer 5 cm below and to the side of seeds to avoid direct seedling salt injury.
Official source
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Common questions
What nutrients are contained in 20-20-0-13 fertilizer?
It contains 20% Nitrogen (ammoniacal), 20% Phosphorus (as P2O5), and 13% Sulphur (as sulfate).
Why is 20-20-0-13 preferred over DAP for oilseed crops?
Unlike DAP which contains zero sulfur, 20-20-0-13 supplies 13% sulfur, which is essential for synthesizing plant oils and proteins.
Can 20-20-0-13 fertilizer be applied through drip irrigation systems?
No, standard granular 20-20-0-13 is intended for basal soil application; it contains insoluble binders that will clog drip emitters.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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