Aluminium Ammonium Sulphate Renewed for Plant Protection

Aluminium ammonium sulphate, initially included in Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC through Commission Directive 2008/127/EC, has undergone a comprehensive assessment process. Following an application for renewal submitted in August 2016, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in April 2022 that the substance meets the necessary approval criteria.

Specific provisions on use of aluminium ammonium sulphate

This renewal, effective from February 1, 2024, comes with specific conditions to ensure safety and environmental protection. The specific provisions include several key conditions to ensure safety and environmental protection:

• Protection of Operators and Workers: There is a requirement for the use of adequate personal protective equipment when handling this substance, ensuring the safety of those who apply or come into contact with it.
• Protection of Aquatic Organisms: Special attention must be given to the application of this substance in regions with acidic or basic soil conditions to safeguard aquatic life.
• Bee Protection: Measures must be taken to protect bees from exposure, particularly during spray applications in the flowering period of adjacent fields or when flowering weeds are present in the treated field.
• Groundwater Protection: There is a focus on protecting groundwater, especially when the substance is used in areas with vulnerable soil and/or climatic conditions, such as regions where soil pH is lower than 5.5.
• Restricted Use on Crops: The substance is authorised for use as a barrier treatment only on field edges for row and combinable crops, limiting its application to specific areas.

These provisions are designed to mitigate risks associated with the use of aluminium ammonium sulphate in plant protection, ensuring its use is both safe and environmentally responsible. Compliance with these conditions is crucial for all stakeholders involved in the use of this substance.

Uses in plant protection

Aluminium ammonium sulphate is used in plant protection primarily as a repellent. Its application in this context can be detailed as follows:

• Repellent for Birds and Mammals: One of the key uses of aluminium ammonium sulphate in agriculture is as a repellent to deter birds and mammals from feeding on seeds and crops. When applied, it creates an unfavourable taste or environment for these animals, thereby protecting the crops from damage. This is particularly useful in areas where wildlife poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity.
• Fungicide and Bactericide: In some cases, aluminium ammonium sulphate may also have fungicidal and bactericidal properties, helping to protect plants from certain fungal and bacterial diseases. However, its primary role in plant protection remains as a repellent rather than a direct agent for disease control.
• Application Method: The substance is usually applied directly to the soil or the plants. In the case of seed treatment, seeds are coated with a solution of aluminium ammonium sulphate to deter birds and rodents from eating them after planting. For mature plants, it can be applied to the foliage or around the base of the plants to keep pests away.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Aluminium ammonium sulphate can be part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy, where it is used in combination with other methods of pest control. This approach can help reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

The renewal process underscores the EU's commitment to rigorous scientific evaluation and public consultation in its regulatory approach. Stakeholders, including farmers and agribusinesses, must note these conditions to ensure compliance and the safe use of plant protection products containing aluminium ammonium sulphate.

For those seeking assistance in navigating these regulatory landscapes, Foresight offers tailored solutions to ensure compliance with such regulations. Our expertise in chemicals legislation can help stakeholders adapt to these changes effectively, mitigating risks and maintaining operational efficiency.