Calcium Ammonium Nitrate
Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or Nitro-limestone, often called nitrochalk, is a popular form that is used as an inorganic fertilizer. It contributes around 4% of the total nitrogen fertilizer applied worldwide. Nitrogen is supplied to plants in a stable and well-balanced fashion by calcium ammonium nitrate, a granular nitrogenous fertilizer. Nitrogen in the form of ammonium and nitrate. Nitrate nitrogen that is quickly available and conserved N (nitrate available after its conversion from ammonium nitrogen) is the ideal ratio for fertilizing all types of crops. When applied to water, nitrate nitrogen is quickly absorbed by plants and virtually no nutrients are lost in the process.
Facts about CAN Fertilizer
- Calcium Ammonium Nitrate is a chemical fertilizer with a chemical reaction of 07 and adaptability.
- Calcium Ammonium nitrate has a nitrogen concentration of 26%.
- The grains are white in hue.
- It has two kinds of fertilizers.
- Fast-acting nitrate version is available.
- Ammonia-based late-acting fertilizers are available.
- Water easily dissolves it.
- Suitable for both low-water and wet locations.
CAN Fertilizer Production
Since its initial widespread manufacturing in the 1940s. When it was first put to use in the production of explosives, ammonium nitrate came to be widely used in many industries. After WWII ended, calcium ammonium nitrate was produced for commercial use as a fertilizer. Ammonium nitrate is produced by reacting ammonia gas with nitric acid. Which results in a concentrated solution and a lot of heat. If a drop of highly concentrated ammonium nitrate solution (95–99 per cent) falls from a tower and solidifies, the resulting material is called prilled fertilizer.
Low-density prills are chosen for industrial applications due to their greater porosity. Whereas, high-density prills are put to use in the production of fertilizer. To create granular ammonium nitrate, a spinning drum is used to spray the concentrated solution onto tiny granules over and over again. Ammonium nitrate is hygroscopic. Therefore it absorbs moisture from the air easily; hence, it must be kept in a dry environment or sealed bags to prevent spoilage.
The manufacturer often treats the solid fertilizer with an anti-caking ingredient to keep it from sticking together. Ammonium nitrate loses its explosive qualities when a small amount of carbonate minerals is added to it just before it solidifies. Since these additions are poorly soluble and reduce the N content, the modified product is less well suited for use in an irrigation system.
Agricultural Use of CAN Fertilizer
Popular among farmers is ammonium nitrate because it supplies both nitrate and ammonium forms of nitrogen. The nitrate form is easily transported by the water in the soil to the plant’s roots. Where it can be absorbed promptly. Roots can directly absorb the ammonium component, or soil microbes can convert it to nitrate over time. Since Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) may be used almost immediately, it is favored by many vegetable gardeners as a quick and easy plant food source.
Fertilizing pasture and hay with it is popular among farmers, unlike urea-based fertilizers. It suffers less from volatilization losses the longer it is left on the soil\’s surface. Calcium Commonly used in fertilizer blends, Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) has a short shelf life because it absorbs moisture from the air. Ammonium nitrate’s high solubility makes it ideal for use in creating solutions used in fertigation or foliar sprays.