Ammonium sulfamate (or ammonium sulphamate) is a white crystalline solid, readily soluble in water. It is commonly used as a broad spectrum herbicide, with additional uses as a compost accelerator, flame retardant and in industrial processes.
Ammonium sulfamate is distributed under the following tradenames, which are principally herbicidal product names: Amicide, Amidosulfate, Ammate, Amcide, Ammate X-NI, AMS, Fyran 206k, Ikurin, Sulfamate, AMS and Root-Out.
Uses
Herbicide
Ammonium sulfamate is considered to be particularly useful in controlling tough woody weeds, tree stumps and brambles.
Several years ago the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) (known as Garden Organic), published an article on ammonium sulfamate after a successful set of herbicide trials.[citation needed] Though not approved for use by organic growers it does provide an option when alternatives have failed.
Ammonium sulfamate is used as a composting accelerator in horticultural settings. It is especially effective in breaking down the tougher and woodier weeds put onto the compost heap.
Flame retardant
Ammonium sulfamate (like other ammonium salts, e.g. Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, Ammonium sulfate) is a useful flame retardant.[4] These salt based flame retardants offer advantages over other metal/mineral-based flame retardants in that they are water processable. Their relatively low decomposition temperature makes them suitable for flame retarding cellulose based materials (paper/wood). Ammonium sulfamate (like Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate) is sometimes used in conjunction with Magnesium sulfate or Ammonium sulfate (in ratios of approximately 2:1) for enhanced flame retardant properties.
Other uses
Within industry ammonium sulfamate is used as a flame retardant, a plasticiser and in electro-plating. Within the laboratory it is used as a reagent.
Safety
Ammonium sulfamate is considered to be only slightly toxic to humans and other animals, making it appropriate for amateur home garden, professional and forestry uses.[5] It is generally accepted to be safe for use on plots of land that will be used for growing fruit and vegetables intended for consumption.
It corrodes brass, copper, and iron. Its contact with eyes or skin can be harmful unless it is quickly washed off.[6]
It is also considered to be environmentally friendly due to its degradation to non-harmful residues.
European Union licensing
The pesticides review by the European Union led to herbicides containing ammonium sulfamate becoming unlicensed, and therefore effectively banned, from 2008.[9]
Its availability and use as a compost accelerator is unaffected by the EU's pesticide legislation.
^"Ammonium sulfamate". NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 4, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
^"Ammonium sulfamate". Documentation for Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentrations (IDLHs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 1994. Retrieved November 18, 2013.