What is one potential environmental effect of anhydrous ammonia related to its mobility in soil?

Anhydrous ammonia is a nitrogen-based compound that, when applied to soil as a fertilizer, can have significant environmental effects due to its physical and chemical properties. One potential environmental effect related to its mobility is ammonia vaporization.

This occurs because anhydrous ammonia is a gas at standard temperature and pressure and can evaporate from the soil surface after application. When ammonia vaporizes, it can be released into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and potentially leading to issues such as ground-level ozone formation and respiratory problems in humans and animals.

The mobility of ammonia in soil also affects how well it can be utilized by plants. If a significant portion is lost to vaporization rather than being absorbed by plant roots, it means that the intended fertilization effect is diminished, potentially leading to an under-supply of nutrients for crops.

This focus on ammonia vaporization highlights the challenges around managing nitrogen fertilizers effectively to minimize environmental impact while maximizing agricultural productivity.