The fertilizer industry deplores the theft and illicit use of anhydrous ammonia for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. We are outraged that our product which is intended to be used to grow food is being used for this illegal and destructive purpose. The industry will work with state and federal agencies to do everything reasonably possible to discourage illicit use while protecting the safe, intended use of the product.
Anhydrous ammonia is one of several nitrogen fertilizer products.
Nitrogen from ammonia plays an especially important role as a constituent of chlorophyll which is necessary for photosynthesis and plant growth. It is popular with farmers because it is the lowest cost form of nitrogen fertilizer available. 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.