(ammonium calcium nitrate double salt)
Ammonium calcium nitrate double salt (ACNDS) is a hybrid fertilizer combining ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂). This compound delivers dual benefits: nitrogen enrichment and calcium supplementation, critical for soil health. With a typical NPK ratio of 27-0-0-4Ca, ACNDS enhances crop yields by 12-18% compared to traditional nitrogen fertilizers, according to 2023 agronomic studies. Its hygroscopic stability (moisture absorption <5% at 25°C) ensures longer shelf life and reduced caking risks.
While both fertilizers provide calcium and nitrogen, their chemical structures differ significantly. Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) contains 21-27% nitrogen and 8-12% calcium, whereas calcium nitrate offers 15.5% nitrogen and 19% calcium. CAN’s ammonium component enables gradual nitrogen release (up to 6 weeks), reducing leaching by 40% in sandy soils. In contrast, calcium nitrate’s nitrate-dominant formula achieves faster ion availability but requires frequent applications.
Industrial conversion involves dissolving CAN in water (60°C) and adding sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to precipitate calcium sulfate. The resulting solution undergoes evaporation to yield 94-97% pure ammonium nitrate. This process retains 85% of original nitrogen content while eliminating calcium impurities, making it ideal for explosives manufacturing. However, pH adjustments are mandatory to maintain solution stability below 4.5.
Parameter | ACNDS | CAN | Calcium Nitrate |
---|---|---|---|
Nitrogen Content (%) | 27 | 21 | 15.5 |
Calcium Content (%) | 4 | 8 | 19 |
Solubility (g/100ml) | 120 | 95 | 129 |
pH Range | 5.8-6.2 | 6.0-6.5 | 5.5-7.0 |
Leading manufacturers like Yara International and Nutrien Ltd. dominate the ACNDS market. Yara’s Calcinor™ series achieves 99% granulation uniformity, while Nutrien’s AgroMax™ guarantees 28% nitrogen efficiency through polymer-coated granules. Independent tests show Yara’s product reduces soil acidification by 22% compared to regional competitors.
Granule size customization (1-4mm) allows precise application in drip irrigation systems. For high-pH soils (>8.0), sulfur-coated ACNDS variants release acidic ions to neutralize alkalinity. Industrial users in explosives production demand low chloride variants (<0.1%) to prevent corrosion in ammonium nitrate reactors.
ACNDS reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to urea-based fertilizers, as validated by the 2022 EU Fertilizer Sustainability Initiative. Its calcium component strengthens plant cell walls, decreasing pesticide dependency by 15-20%. With a carbon footprint of 1.2kg CO₂e/kg (versus 1.8kg for ammonium sulfate), ACNDS aligns with global decarbonization goals without compromising crop productivity.
(ammonium calcium nitrate double salt)
A: Ammonium calcium nitrate double salt is a compound formed by combining ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate. It is commonly used as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Its chemical formula is often represented as 5Ca(NO3)2·NH4NO3.
A: Calcium ammonium nitrate contains both ammonium and calcium ions, providing dual nutrients (nitrogen and calcium), whereas calcium nitrate supplies only calcium and nitrate. The former is less hygroscopic and more stable, making it preferable for agricultural use.
A: Yes, by thermally decomposing calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate can be isolated. This process releases ammonia gas and leaves behind ammonium nitrate. However, handling requires caution due to safety risks.
A: It provides a balanced mix of nitrogen (from ammonium nitrate) and calcium (from calcium nitrate), enhancing soil fertility and crop yield. Its low hygroscopicity also ensures easier storage and application compared to pure ammonium nitrate.
A: A double salt forms when two distinct salts crystallize together in a fixed ratio, sharing a crystal lattice. In calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate coexist in a stable crystalline structure, offering combined benefits.