What is the Difference Between MAP and DAP Fertilizer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers lies in their nitrogen and phosphorus content, as well as their pH and application preferences:
- Nitrogen content: DAP fertilizer contains about 18% nitrogen, while MAP fertilizer contains about 10% nitrogen.
- Phosphorus content: MAP fertilizer contains about 50% phosphorus, whereas DAP fertilizer contains about 46% phosphorus.
- pH: MAP occurs around pH 3.5, while DAP occurs around pH 7.5.
- Application method: DAP can be more prone to nitrogen loss on alkaline soils when broadcast via ammonia volatilization. MAP is preferred over DAP when there is a risk of ammonia toxicity to germinating seeds.
- Fertilizer placement: MAP is more commonly used when fertilizer placement is in direct contact with the seed of emerging crops, particularly those sown on wide row spacings.
- Economics: DAP is the most economical phosphorus fertilizer, with a high analysis (18% N, 20% P), allowing freight and handling costs per kg of nutrient to be minimized. DAP is the world's most commonly traded and used phosphorus fertilizer.
- Industries: DAP is more commonly used in fertilizer blends and in the sugarcane, vegetable, horticultural, and pasture industries. MAP is less commonly used in blends than DAP, except for dryland cropping areas and cotton.
In summary, MAP and DAP fertilizers differ in their nitrogen and phosphorus content, pH, application methods, and industries in which they are commonly used. The choice between MAP and DAP depends on factors such as soil type, crop type, and application method.
Comparative Table: MAP vs DAP Fertilizer
Here is a table comparing the differences between MAP and DAP fertilizers:
| Property | MAP Fertilizer | DAP Fertilizer |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Content | 10% | 18% |
| Phosphorus Content | 50% (as P2O5) | 46% (as P2O5) |
| Chemical Formula | NH4H2PO4 | (NH4)2HPO4 |
| pH Effect | Decreases pH to around 3 to 4.5 | Increases pH to around 6 to 8 |
| Utilization | Less prone to nitrogen loss on alkaline soils | More prone to nitrogen loss on alkaline soils via ammonia volatilization |
| Seed Placement | Preferred for direct seed contact, particularly on wide row spacings | Not preferred for direct seed contact |
| Application Method | Suitable for various application methods, depending on seeding equipment and seed bed utilization | Economical and commonly used in fertilizer blends and industries like sugarcane, vegetable, horticultural, and pasture |
| Calcareous Soils and High P-Fixing Soils | Generally little difference in effectiveness, with some exceptions |
The key difference between MAP and DAP fertilizers is their nitrogen content, with MAP containing about 10% nitrogen and DAP containing about 18% nitrogen. MAP is also less prone to nitrogen loss on alkaline soils and is preferred for direct seed contact, while DAP is more economical and commonly used in various industries.
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