What Makes Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) a Key Fertilizer for Global Agriculture?

Technical Introduction

Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), also known as Diammonium Hydrogen Phosphate, with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂HPO₄, is one of the most widely used phosphorus fertilizers in the world.
It provides two essential nutrients: Nitrogen (N) in ammonium form and Phosphorus (P₂O₅) in a fully available form.
Due to its high nutrient concentration, excellent solubility, and strong agronomic performance, DAP is highly valued in modern agriculture.

Applications

1. Agriculture & Horticulture

• Base Fertilizer: Supplies high phosphorus and nitrogen for early plant growth.

• Cereal Crops: Widely used in wheat, maize, rice, and barley production.

• Fruit & Vegetable Farming: Improves root development, flowering, and fruit setting.

• Soil Conditioning: Slightly alkaline reaction helps neutralize acidic soils.

• Blending: Commonly used in NPK compound fertilizers.

2. Industrial Uses

• Fire Retardants: Applied in fireproofing agents.

• Yeast Nutrient: Used in wine, beer, and fermentation industries.

• Feed Additives: Provides phosphorus and nitrogen for livestock nutrition.

Advantages

• High Nutrient Content: ~18% N and 46% P₂O₅, making it very concentrated.

• Rapid Dissolution: Fully soluble in water for fast nutrient uptake.

• Balanced Nutrition: Stimulates root growth and crop establishment.

• Good Storage Stability: Less hygroscopic than MAP (Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate).

• Wide Compatibility: Suitable for blending with other fertilizers.

Typical Parameters

FAQs

Q1: How is DAP different from Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (MAP/ADP)?
A1: DAP contains higher nitrogen (18%) and is alkaline in solution, while MAP contains lower nitrogen (~12%) and is acidic in solution. Both are highly soluble phosphorus fertilizers.

Q2: Is DAP suitable for foliar applications?
A2: Yes, but it should be used at lower concentrations to avoid leaf burn due to its higher alkalinity.

Q3: Can DAP be used in fertigation and hydroponics?
A3: It is commonly used in fertigation but less preferred in hydroponics compared to MAP, due to its alkaline pH.

Q4: Which crops benefit most from DAP?
A4: DAP is especially beneficial for cereal crops, legumes, oilseeds, and vegetables requiring strong root establishment.

Q5: How should DAP be stored?
A5: Store in a dry, ventilated area, avoiding moisture exposure to prevent caking.