STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF SOME ADDITIVES ON THE PHYSICOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF UREA AMMONIUM-SULFATE (UAS) PELLETS

The effects of some additives on the process of pressing mixed fertili zer based on Urea and Ammonium Sulphate (UAS) at a ratio of 4:1 and th eir impact on the kinetics of solubility were investigated. UAS pellet s were produced using a laboratory pressing machine at an optimum pres sure. Most of the inorganic salts with hydrated water gave better crus hing strength and lower rates of dissolution as compared with UAS pell ets without additives. The organic compound tall pech - a by-product o f pulp production - acts as a better binding agent for UAS pellets in respect of both strength and solubility. It is assumed that except for hydrated inorganic salts the tall pech possesses the property of bein g a slow-release binder in the mixed UAS fertilizer.