Ammonia volatilisation refers to the conversion of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₄⁺) into gaseous ammonia (NH₃), which then escapes into the atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs mainly at the soil surface, particularly when pH is high and temperature favours the conversion. Fertilisers containing urea or nitrogen solutions carry greater risk than nitrate forms.[1] Once airborne, the gas turns into ammonium particles under the influence of moisture; their subsequent deposition acidifies natural environments, disrupts their biochemical balance and causes nutrient excesses leading notably to algal blooms.[1] On permanent grassland, emissions may account for a quarter of applied nitrogen, and half as much in flooded rice cultivation.[2] Rapid incorporation of urea-based fertilisers, use of nitrate nitrogen forms or application of chemical additives that slow urea hydrolysis can help curb these losses.[3]
Sources
- Yara, Fertilizer Industry Handbook 2025, p. 24 · View the source
- FAO, Plant nutrition for food security (2006), p. 321 · View the source
- Yara, Fertilizer Industry Handbook 2022, p. 23 · View the source
Original text by fertiliser-market.com. Facts and figures are taken from the documents cited, at the page given; no text, table or chart is reproduced from them.
Updated October 27, 2026