Why Is Calcium Nitrate an Essential Fertilizer and Industrial Chemical?
Technical Introduction
Calcium Nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O] is a highly soluble inorganic salt that appears as colorless crystals or granules. It contains both calcium (Ca²⁺) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻), making it a dual-nutrient fertilizer widely used in modern agriculture.
Calcium nitrate is produced by reacting limestone with nitric acid or through neutralization processes. Due to its high solubility, it is often used in fertigation, hydroponics, and foliar spraying. Beyond agriculture, calcium nitrate also plays important roles in concrete, wastewater treatment, and explosives.
Applications
1. Agriculture
Fertilizer: Provides readily available nitrate nitrogen for rapid plant uptake.
Calcium Source: Supplies calcium to prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes, bitter pit in apples, and other calcium deficiency disorders.
Hydroponics: A key nutrient in soilless cultivation systems.
Foliar Spray: Corrects calcium deficiency quickly.
2. Concrete Industry
Acts as a set accelerator in cold weather.
Reduces risk of cracking by lowering setting time.
Improves durability of reinforced concrete by inhibiting chloride-induced corrosion.
3. Wastewater Treatment
Used in odor control by preventing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) formation.
Enhances denitrification processes by supplying nitrate.
4. Explosives Industry
Component in the production of emulsion explosives due to its strong oxidizing properties.
Advantages
Fast-acting Nitrogen: Supplies nitrate nitrogen directly available to plants.
Calcium Enrichment: Improves cell wall strength, leading to longer shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
High Solubility: Ideal for drip irrigation and fertigation.
Soil Improvement: Reduces soil acidity compared to ammonium-based fertilizers.
Multi-industry Use: Valuable in agriculture, construction, and environmental protection.
Typical Parameters
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate |
| Formula | Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 236.15 g/mol (tetrahydrate) |
| Appearance | White/transparent crystals or granules |
| Nitrogen Content | ~11.8% (as NO₃⁻ nitrogen) |
| Calcium Content | ~16–17% (Ca²⁺) |
| Solubility in Water | ~1290 g/L (20 °C), highly soluble |
| Density | ~2.36 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 42–45 °C (tetrahydrate loses water) |
FAQs
Q1: Why is calcium nitrate better than urea or ammonium fertilizers?
A1: It provides immediately available nitrate nitrogen and adds calcium, which improves crop quality and reduces physiological disorders.
Q2: Can calcium nitrate be mixed with other fertilizers?
A2: It is compatible with most fertilizers, but should not be mixed with sulfates or phosphates in concentrated form to avoid precipitation.
Q3: How does calcium nitrate prevent fruit disorders?
A3: The calcium strengthens cell walls, reducing issues like blossom-end rot in tomatoes and bitter pit in apples.
Q4: Is calcium nitrate safe for hydroponics?
A4: Yes, it is one of the most commonly used salts in nutrient solutions due to its high solubility.
Q5: What role does it play in concrete?
A5: It acts as a set accelerator and anti-freezing agent, particularly useful in cold-weather construction.
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