Best crops to use ammonium sulfate fertilizer on

Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) is an excellent fertilizer choice for specific situations, particularly for alkaline soils and crops with a high sulfur demand.

Its key benefits are providing immediately available sulfate sulfur and its acidifying effect on the soil, which helps lower high soil pH.

Best crops include:

• Alkaline-Loving Plants (that need pH lowered): Blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil. Ammonium sulfate is ideal for lowering the pH in alkaline soils to make nutrients more available to them.
• High-Sulfur-Demand Crops:
  • Brassicas: Canola, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
  • Legumes: Alfalfa and clover (sulfur is key for nitrogen fixation).
  • Onion Family: Onions and garlic.
• Crops Needing Quick Nitrogen and Sulfur:
  • Potatoes: Often prefer slightly acidic soils, and the sulfate helps with tuber quality.
  • Corn (Maize): Especially in soils known to be sulfur-deficient.
  • Wheat and other Cereals: Used to boost sulfur levels for protein formation.
• Turfgrass: Often used on lawns, especially in regions with alkaline soil, to promote a deep green color.

Use ammonium sulfate on crops that need sulfur or when you need to manage (lower) a high soil pH. Avoid using it on already acidic soils unless you plan to counteract the effect with lime.