Ammonium thiosulfate is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture, particularly for crops that require a readily available source of sulfur and nitrogen. It is especially effective in alkaline soils where other sulfur sources may not be as efficient. The chemical helps in improving plant growth and crop yield by providing essential nutrients that are easily absorbed by plants.

In the photography industry, ammonium thiosulfate serves as a key component in the fixing process. It is used to remove unexposed silver halides from photographic films and papers, ensuring the stability and longevity of the developed images. This application is crucial for both traditional film photography and certain modern printing techniques.

Additionally, ammonium thiosulfate is employed in mining and metallurgy for the extraction of precious metals like gold and silver. It acts as a leaching agent, facilitating the dissolution of these metals from ores, which can then be recovered through further processing. This method is favored for its efficiency and relatively low environmental impact compared to other extraction techniques.

In environmental applications, ammonium thiosulfate is used in flue gas desulfurization processes to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial plants. It helps in converting harmful sulfur dioxide into less harmful compounds, thereby minimizing air pollution and contributing to cleaner industrial operations.