Agronomically, ammonia is an efficient source of nitrogen. When injected into the soil, it is immediately absorbed into soil water and onto soil particles. Through that absorption it is converted to the ammonium form, which is quite stable, not subject to either leaching or volatilization losses. Over time it is gradually converted by soil bacteria into the nitrate form, which is used by crops. Ammonia can be stored in either refrigerated or pressurized tanks.
Ammonia stored under pressure is in a liquid form, but converts to a gas when released into the air.
In this gaseous form, anhydrous ammonia has a strong attraction to water and can cause severe burns and dehydrates skin. As a result, strict engineering codes exist for all anhydrous equipment. Ammonia should be handled only by people trained in the proper procedures and properties of ammonia. In fact, there are reports of methamphetamine makers who have injured themselves while trying to steal ammonia. A synthetic drug, methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and dependence.