Calcium nitrateCalcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter) is the inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO3)2. This colourless salt absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers. Nitrocalcite is the name for a mineral which is a hydrated calcium nitrate that forms as an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment as in stables or caverns.[1]

Production and reactivity

Norgessalpeter was the first synthetic nitrogen fertilizer compound to be manufactured. Production began at Notodden, Norway in 1905 by the Birkeland–Eyde process. Most of the world's calcium nitrate is now made in Porsgrunn. It is produced by treating limestone with nitric acid, followed by neutralization with ammonia:

CaCO3 + 2 HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O

It is also a byproduct of the Odda Process for the extraction of calcium phosphate:

Ca3(PO4)2 + 6 HNO3 + 12 H2O → 2 H3PO4 + 3 Ca(NO3)2 + 12 H2O

It can also be prepared from an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate, and calcium hydroxide:

2 NH4NO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2 NH4OH

Like related alkaline earth metal nitrates (as well as LiNO3), calcium nitrate decomposes upon heating to release nitrogen dioxide:[1]

2 Ca(NO3)2 → 2 CaO + 4 NO2 + O2 ΔH = 369 kJ/mol

Use in fertilizer

The fertilizer grade (15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca) is popular in the greenhouse and hydroponics trades; it contains ammonium nitrate and water, as the "double salt" 5Ca(NO3)2.NH4NO3

.10H2O. Formulations lacking ammonia are also known: Ca(NO3)2.4H2O (11.9-0-0 + 16.9%Ca). A liquid formulation (9-0-0 + 11% Ca) is also offered. An anhydrous, air-stable derivative is the urea complex Ca(NO3)2

.4[OC(NH2)2], which has been sold as Cal-Urea.

Calcium Nitrate

WHAT IS CALCIUM NITRATE?

It is a fertilizer made up of two nutrients, with a white grainy appearance that dissolves quickly in water and can be absorbed rapidly by plants. It is an perfect combination of %15.5 nitrogen in nitrate form that rapidly dissolves in water and %26.5 calcium. Its nitrate nitrogen and fully water soluble calcium combination provides good affects not found in any other fertilizer. CALCIUM NITRATE

This is a greenhouse -type fertilizer, pure in composition and of uncoated granules that dissolves completely in water. Its greenhouse type is used in greenhouse and outdoor conditions where irrigation is done by drip or spring irrigation systems or as foliar feeding. The "Field" type is a coated-type fertilizer which is suitable for hand sowing or by machine, and is less soluble than the "Greenhouse" type. In outdoor farming it is suitable for fertilization after planting.

WHY USE CALCIUM NITRATE?

Calcium nitrate contains two of the basic nourishment elements that plants must have: Nitrate nitrogen and calcium. Calcium nitrate is the best choice for any kind of plants in all soils and climates for top fertilization. Because of the combined intake of the calcium and the nitrate by the plants, there is no residue in the roots as with some other types of fertilization. The positive effected combination of these two basic nourishment elements does not leave the soil salty. The effect of the nitrogen in nitrate form on the roots is such that the water-soluble calcium is more easily absorbed and thus better provides the plant with its calcium requirements.

THE ADVANTAGES OF CALCIUM NITRATE CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THREE POINTS:

IT CONTAINS NITROGEN IN NITRATE FORM

Nitrogen in nitrate form is plants' preferred form of nitrogen. It helps plants absorb other nutrients in addition to calcium. Particularly in clay soils, ammonium may trap the nitrogen in the soil, thus rendering it unavailable to the plant. Nitrate, on the other hand, does not absorb the nitrate nitrogen to the soil. It remains in the root area in a form that is easy to absorb and in this way allows the plant to quickly receive its nutrients requirements.

CALCIUM IS CRITICAL FOR PLANT NUTRITION

Calcium is a macro nourishment element that plants consume a lot of. It s compound of cell wall. It is frequently found in soil in a compound form that plants cannot use. It does not transport well in plants. For this reason, it is necessary to do calcium fertilization in addition to other kinds of fertilization. Plants cannot grow without calcium. After nitrogen and potassium, calcium is the next most consumed requirement of plants.

THE BENEFITS OF CALCIUM NITRATE ON THE SOIL

In addition to being nutrition for plants, calcium nitrate has a amelioration effect on the soil. It facilitates the transformation of minerals in clay soil to a form more easily used by plants. In irrigated soils with less calcium or a lot of sodium, the clay layer can become compact. As a result, water and oxygen activity is reduced and the development of the plant is adversely affected. Calcium forces separation of the clay layer and gives soil a more porous appearance.

OTHER VALUES OF CALCIUM NITRATE CAN BE LISTED AS FOLLOWS: It increases yield and quality it builds up resistance to disease and pests it provides resistance during transport it extends the storage life of fruits rapid absorption of calcium and nitrate it contains no filler or additives it doesn’t steam, wash or burn it doesn’t create alkaline conditions it does not create salt conditions

The presence of calcium carbonate (lime) in the soil does not mean that the plant can get enough calcium. Calcium carbonate does not dissolve well in water. Particularly in drip or spring irrigation applications, calcium nitrate should be used alone and not in combination with sulfurous or phosphorous fertilizers. It should not be used in combination with agricultural chemical. In storage, calcium nitrate should not be kept in wet conditions and should always be stored in closed packages.

Uses:

This product can be used as a solid fertiliser for side dressing to high value horticultural crops such as market gardens and berryfruit crops. As this product is highly soluble, it can also be used for fertigation as a source of calcium and nitrate-nitrogen for high value horticultural crops. The nitrate-nitrogen is immediately available for plant uptake, while the calcium is provided in a readily soluble form. Some pipfruit growers also use Calcium Nitrate as a source of calcium for the first two foliar applications in November, followed by several applications of Calcium Chloride, to help reduce the incidence of bitter pit, a calcium deficiency disorder in apples