Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Engineering Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer by farmers. It has the highest available nitrogen content of any fertilizer and is very effective for increasing yields. Anhydrous ammonia can be dangerous to use. An accident can result in serious injury, blindness or even death. It must be stored and handled properly.
Anhydrous ammonia is dry or pure undiluted ammonia.
At ordinary temperatures, it is a colorless gas, but under pressure it changes into a liquid. Agricultural ammonia is transported, stored and handled in pressurized tanks. Anhydrous ammonia is a strong alkali that can cause painful skin burns. Because of its low boiling point, anhydrous ammonia can burn by freezing as well as by caustic action. Even mild exposure can cause irritation to tissues of the eyes, nose and lungs.