The potential of 2,5-dichloroaniline and ammonium thiosulphate and their combination as nitrification inhibitors

Abstract

In the current research, nitrification inhibitors such as 2,5-dichloroaniline, ammonium thiosulphate, and their combination (1:1) were used to slow down the nitrification process to increase the nitrogen availability for crops. The various levels of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5% were used for each inhibitor on three types of soil. Leachates were collected from each treatment, add 1ml of 0.1% chromotropic acid solution and 6 mL. of concentrated sulfuric acid, swirled in the flask, and left at room temperature, yellow color was developed after 45 minutes. Then absorbance reading was noted for each sample by spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 430 nm. NO₃⁻-N content was determined by the standard curve method. From inhibitors, the combination of both inhibitors shows minimum NO₃⁻-N content as 154.29 and 112.83 ppm than other chemicals for 2ⁿͩ and 14 ͭ ͪ days respectively. From soil, Sheikhupura soil shows minimum NO₃⁻-N in the leachate as 176.26 (2ⁿͩ day) and 105.03 ppm (14 ͭ ͪ day) as compared to other soils. From the levels, 0.25% shows minimum NO₃⁻-N as 118.05 (2ⁿͩ day) and 63.18 ppm (14 ͭ ͪ day) as compared to other levels. The combination (1:1) and the level 0.25% were found more suitable to reduce the nitrification process in Sheikhupura soil.