Sodium lignosulfonate is a lignin-derived material used in selected binding and dispersion systems. Its name identifies a material family, not one uniform molecule or a universal performance specification. Product selection requires an exact grade, current technical documents and testing in the intended formulation.
Sodium lignosulfonate (CAS 8061-51-6), also written lignosulfonate sodium or sodium lignosulphonate, is the sodium salt of lignosulfonic acid, made from lignin dissolved during sulfite wood pulping. In agriculture it is used as a binder and dispersant in fertilizer granules, as a dispersant in pesticide formulations, in soil conditioners and to carry trace elements in micronutrient blends.
Key Data: Agri Grade Sodium Lignosulfonate
| Parameter | GAC-NaLS-Agri (typical) |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow-brown powder |
| pH | 7.0 – 9.5 |
| Dry matter | 95% min |
| Lignosulphonate content (dry basis) | 55% min |
| Water-insoluble matter | 1% max |
| Sulphate | 2% max |
| Calcium & magnesium | 0.5% max |
| Reducing sugar | 7% max |
Source: Agri Grade TDS (Rev. 2.0). Packing, MSDS and ordering: agricultural sodium lignosulfonate.
Agricultural Uses of This Lignin Derivative
- Fertilizer granules: binder and dispersant in granulation, listed in the Agri Grade TDS.
- Coated and slow-release fertilizers: see lignosulfonate for coated fertilizers.
- Micronutrient blends: carrier for trace elements; compare with EDTA chelates.
- Pesticide formulations: dispersant for WP, WDG and SC products.
- Soil conditioning: listed in the TDS; confirm results in a field trial.
Each kilogram also adds sodium to the soil. For salt-sensitive crops read sodium limits in agricultural formulations.
Identity: lignin derivative, not a fixed molecular formula
Technical lignosulfonates contain a distribution of structures. A simplified formula shown in a catalogue is not a complete description of every supplied grade and should not be used to calculate a universal molecular weight or reaction stoichiometry. For document interpretation, see the knowledge centre’s sodium lignosulfonate formula guide.
Ask the supplier to identify the production route and any subsequent modification. A generic description of sulfite pulping does not prove the manufacturing history or composition of the offered batch.
How to interpret physical and chemical data
| Data field | What must accompany it | Common error to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Exact grade, solution preparation, concentration, temperature and method | Describing an acidic range as alkaline, or transferring another grade’s range |
| Molecular-size information | Analytical method, calibration and the reported average or distribution | Treating a broad literature range as a batch specification |
| Solids and lignosulfonate content | Separate methods, units and calculation bases | Equating all dry matter with pure or active lignosulfonate |
| Solubility and insolubles | Water composition, concentration, temperature and test procedure | Assuming complete dissolution under every process condition |
| Appearance | Grade-specific description and sample comparison | Using colour alone as proof of purity or performance |
Use the current exact-grade TDS for reference properties, the agreed specification for acceptance limits and the shipment COA for reported batch results. Minimum, maximum and typical values are different claims and should remain labelled accordingly.
Separate formulation functions
- Dispersion: evaluate particle distribution, viscosity, settling and redispersibility. Surface-tension reduction alone does not establish suspension stability.
- Binding: evaluate the required granule or pellet strength under the actual manufacturing and handling conditions.
- Metal-ion interaction: require evidence for the specific nutrient, solution and grade. Do not assume that all metal binding demonstrates a defined chelate or crop availability.
- Cementitious use: qualify flow, setting, air and strength separately; the product name alone does not show water reduction or durability.
Agricultural selection and trial planning
Start with the agricultural sodium lignosulfonate product information and the fertilizer formulation guide. Identify the required role before selecting a grade: granule binding, suspension processing and soil application need different evidence.
For any supplier-recommended starting trial range, record the grade, document revision, addition basis and formulation denominator. Compare against a control using the actual raw materials, water, processing and storage conditions. A successful physical formulation test is not by itself a crop-response result.
Limits of broad application and safety claims
Industrial, agricultural and feed grades must not be assumed interchangeable. Feed suitability needs its own grade and application documentation; a generic industrial material is not automatically suitable for animal consumption. Likewise, renewable origin does not establish non-toxicity, complete biodegradation or lower environmental impact.
Drilling, mineral processing, wastewater and other specialised applications require their own candidate grade and performance tests. Do not infer clay inhibition, pollutant removal or mineral selectivity from general dispersant behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium lignosulfonate made from?
From lignin, the polymer that binds wood fibres. It is dissolved and sulfonated during sulfite pulping and converted to the sodium salt.
What is sodium lignosulfonate used for in agriculture?
As a binder and dispersant in fertilizer granules, a dispersant in pesticide formulations, a soil conditioning component and a carrier in micronutrient blends.
Does sodium lignosulfonate have a fixed chemical formula?
No. It is a mixture of lignin-derived polymers of different sizes, so catalogue formulas are simplified. Specify it by grade and TDS.
What is the CAS number of sodium lignosulfonate?
8061-51-6.
Request a technically comparable quotation
Send the intended function, formulation, required property limits, test methods, quantity and delivery requirements to info@greenagrochem.com. Request matching TDS, SDS and quality documents, and agree on sample acceptance before production approval.
