Ammonium Sulfate vs. Urea — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 15, 2023
Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt with the formula (NH₄)₂SO₄, used as a fertilizer and in various industrial applications. Urea, CO(NH₂)₂, is an organic compound synthesized by the liver and used as a fertilizer, in resins, and as a feed additive.
Difference Between Ammonium Sulfate and Urea
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ammonium sulfate and urea are both nitrogenous compounds, but they have distinct characteristics and uses. Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt derived from the neutralization of sulfuric acid with ammonia. The result is a salt with a crystal-like appearance and is primarily used in the agricultural sector as a fertilizer to supply plants with nitrogen and sulfur.
Urea, on the other hand, is an organic compound, which is synthesized as a waste product in the liver from ammonia and carbon dioxide during the urea cycle. This white crystalline solid is soluble in water and plays a vital role in the metabolic process of protein in mammals. In addition to its biological origin, urea is also synthesized on an industrial scale, particularly for agricultural and chemical applications.
In agriculture, both Ammonium sulfate and Urea serve as sources of nitrogen for plants, enhancing growth. However, Ammonium sulfate provides the additional benefit of supplying sulfur, a crucial nutrient for some crops. Urea, being highly soluble in water, is also used in various commercial products, including resins, plastics, and as a feed additive.
A crucial difference between Ammonium sulfate and Urea is their impact on soil pH. Ammonium sulfate can acidify the soil due to the release of ammonium ions, making it useful for crops preferring acidic conditions. Conversely, Urea undergoes hydrolysis in soil, which can slightly raise the soil pH.
In non-agricultural applications, Ammonium sulfate is used in food processing as a regulator and in the purification of proteins. Urea, being a principal component of mammalian urine, finds its use in laboratories, in the manufacturing of resins, and even in the cosmetics industry due to its moisturizing properties.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Inorganic salt
Organic compound
Chemical Formula
(NH₄)₂SO₄
CO(NH₂)₂
Primary Use
Fertilizer with nitrogen and sulfur
Fertilizer, resins, feed additive
Effect on Soil pH
Acidifying
Slightly alkalizing
Other Applications
Food processing, protein purification
Cosmetics, laboratory applications, plastics
Compare with Definitions
Ammonium Sulfate
Provides both nitrogen and sulfur to plants.
To combat sulfur deficiency, use ammonium sulfate.
Urea
Major component used in fertilizers.
Crops benefit from the nitrogen provided by urea.
Ammonium Sulfate
A white crystalline substance used as a fertilizer.
The farmer added ammonium sulfate to provide essential nitrogen.
Urea
Organic compound synthesized in the liver.
Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism in mammals.
Ammonium Sulfate
Used in the food industry as a regulator.
Ammonium sulfate ensures the desired acidity in certain foods.
Urea
A white crystalline substance with a high solubility in water.
Urea is often applied to fields in a dissolved form.
Ammonium Sulfate
An inorganic salt derived from sulfuric acid and ammonia.
Ammonium sulfate is often spread on fields to nourish crops.
Urea
Used in manufacturing of resins and plastics.
Urea-formaldehyde resins are common in plywood.
Ammonium Sulfate
Employed in protein purification processes.
Scientists use ammonium sulfate for protein fractionation.
Urea
Has moisturizing properties, used in cosmetics.
Many creams contain urea for its hydrating effect.
Urea
A water-soluble compound, CO(NH2)2, that is the major nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism and is the chief nitrogenous component of the urine in mammals and certain other animals. Also called carbamide.
Urea
A water-soluble organic compound, CO(NH2)2, formed by the metabolism of proteins and excreted in the urine.
Urea
Any N-substituted derivative of urea, with the general formula (R1R2N)CO(NR3R4).
Urea
A very soluble crystalline body which is the chief constituent of the urine in mammals and some other animals. It is also present in small quantity in blood, serous fluids, lymph, the liver, etc.
Urea
The chief solid component of mammalian urine; synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as fertilizer and in animal feed and in plastics
Common Curiosities
How is urea produced in the body?
Urea is produced in the liver from ammonia and carbon dioxide during the urea cycle.
What is the primary use of ammonium sulfate?
Ammonium sulfate is mainly used as a fertilizer, providing nitrogen and sulfur to plants.
What are the industrial applications of urea?
Urea is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics, and as a feed additive.
Is ammonium sulfate organic or inorganic?
Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt.
Can ammonium sulfate alter soil pH?
Yes, ammonium sulfate can acidify the soil due to the release of ammonium ions.
Which compound is more soluble in water?
Urea is highly soluble in water, more so than ammonium sulfate.
How does ammonium sulfate provide sulfur to plants?
Ammonium sulfate releases sulfate ions, which plants can uptake and use as a sulfur source.
Can urea be used in cosmetics?
Yes, urea is used in cosmetics due to its moisturizing properties.
Is urea safe for direct application to soil?
Yes, urea can be applied directly to soil, but it's often more effective when dissolved in water.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
