Note: May be white or black depending on stock availability
IUPAC Name: diammonium hydrogen phosphate
Other names
ammonium monohydrogen phosphate, ammonium phosphate dibasic
Chemical formula: (NH4)2HPO4
Molar mass: 132.06 g/mol
Solubility: insoluble in alcohol, acetone and liquid ammonia
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is the world’s most widely used phosphorus fertilizer. It’s made from two common constituents in the fertilizer industry, and its relatively high nutrient content and excellent physical properties make it a popular choice in farming and other industries.
In alkaline soil conditions, one of the ammonia molecules in DAP will revert to ammonia, making it an excellent fit for low pH or alkaline soil. DAP itself is alkaline with a high pH, exceeding 7.5.
Agricultural use
DAP fertilizer is an excellent source of P and nitrogen (N) for plant nutrition. It’s highly soluble and thus dissolves quickly in soil to release plant-available phosphate and ammonium. A notable property of DAP is the alkaline pH that develops around the dissolving granule.
As dissolving DAP granules release ammonium, the seedlings and plant roots nearest the volatile ammonia can be harmed. This potential damage more commonly occurs when the soil pH is greater than 7, a condition that often exists around the dissolving DAP granule. To prevent such damage, users should avoid placing high concentrations of DAP near germinating seeds.
The ammonium present in DAP is an excellent N source and will be gradually converted to nitrate by soil bacteria, resulting in a subsequent drop in pH. Therefore, the rise in soil pH surrounding DAP granules is a temporary effect. This initial rise in soil pH neighboring DAP can influence the micro-site reactions of phosphate and soil organic matter.
Non-agricultural uses
DAP also acts as a fire retardant. For example, a mixture of DAP and other ingredients can be spread in advance of a fire to prevent a forest from burning. It then becomes a nutrient source after the danger of fire has passed. DAP is used in various industrial processes, too, such as metal finishing. And, it’s commonly added to wine to sustain yeast fermentation and to milk to produce cheese cultures.
Source: Nutrient Source Specifics (No. 17), International Plant Nutrition Institute.
Chemical Properties
Chemical formula: (NH4)2HPO4
Composition: 18%N
46% P2O5 (20%P)
Water solubility (20 degree Celcius): 588 g/L
Solution pH: 7.5 to 8
