DAP is used as a fertilizer. When applied as plant food, it
temporarily increases the soil pH, but over a long term the treated
ground becomes more acidic than before upon nitrification of the
ammonium. It is incompatible with alkaline chemicals because its
ammonium ion is more likely to convert to ammonia in a high-pH
environment.
DAP can be used as a fire retardant. It lowers the combustion
temperature of the material, decreases maximum weight loss rates,
and causes an increase in the production of residue or char.These
are important effects in fighting wildfires as lowering the
pyrolysis temperature and increasing the amount of char formed
reduces that amount of available fuel and can lead to the formation
of a firebreak. It is the largest component of some popular
commercial firefighting products.
DAP is also used as a yeast nutrient in winemaking and brewing
mead; as an additive in some brands of cigarettes purportedly as a
nicotine enhancer; to prevent afterglow in matches, in purifying
sugar; as a Flux
for soldering tin, copper, zinc and brass; and to control
precipitation of alkali-soluble and acid-insoluble colloidal dyes
on wool.
