Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN): A Versatile Fertilizer for Modern Agriculture

The compound 5Ca(NO₃)₂·NH₄NO₃·10H₂O is commonly known as Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN).

It is a widely used nitrogen-based fertilizer. And It is a granulated compound that combines ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) with calcium nitrate (5Ca(NO₃)₂, providing a dual nutrient supply to plants.

Chemical properties

Property	Details
Chemical Formula	5Ca(NO₃)₂·NH₄NO₃·10H₂O
CAS	15245-12-2
Molecular Weight	Approximately 1080 g/mol
Appearance	White or off-white crystalline solid
Solubility	Highly soluble in water
Hygroscopicity	Hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air
Stability	Stable under normal conditions; avoid exposure to heat or acids
pH (aqueous solution)	Slightly acidic
Density	Varies depending on hydration level and packing, approx. 1.8 g/cm³

Below is the data from our Certificate of Analysis and our product is fully complied with the standard.

Item	Unit	Specification
Appearance	-	White Granular
Total N	w/%	≥15.5
Nitrate – Nitrogen	w/%	≥14.4
Ammonium Nitrogen	w/%	≥1.1
Moisture	w/%	-
Ionic Calcium	w/%	≥18.5
Water insoluble matter	w/%	≤0.1
PH Value	mg/kg	4.8-5.2
QUALIFIED BY THE TEST OF NY/T 2269-2020

Applications

1. Agricultural Uses

• Fertilizer:

  • CAN is preferred for use on acid soils, as it acidifies soil less than many common nitrogen fertilizers. It is also used in place of ammonium nitrate where ammonium nitrate is banned.

  • Provides two essential nutrients: Nitrogen (N) and Calcium (Ca).

  • The nitrate (NO₃⁻) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) forms of nitrogen offer immediate and sustained nutrient availability to plants.

  • Calcium helps improve cell wall strength, fruit quality, and stress resistance in crops.

  • Used in crops like cereals, fruits, vegetables, and greenhouse plants.

    
    

• Soil Conditioner:

  • Enhances soil structure by reducing compaction.

  • Neutralizes soil acidity due to its calcium content.

    
    

• Irrigation Systems:

  • Suitable for fertigation and hydroponics due to its high solubility in water.

    
    

2. Industrial Uses

This compound also has applications in various industrial processes, such as:

• Chemical Manufacturing:

  • Serves as a precursor for other calcium- or nitrogen-based compounds.

• Explosives:

  • Used in the production of certain ammonium nitrate-based explosives.

• Concrete Additives:

  • Acts as an accelerator in cement and concrete mixtures for quicker setting.

• Waste Treatment:

  • Assists in removing heavy metals and other contaminants from industrial wastewater due to its calcium content.

• Cooling Systems:

  • Sometimes used as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial cooling systems.

Production

The production of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate involves dissolving calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate in water under controlled conditions. The solution is cooled to induce crystallization, forming hydrated crystals with 10 water molecules. The crystals are then separated, dried at low temperatures to preserve the hydrate structure, and optionally granulated for better handling. The final product is packaged in moisture-proof bags to prevent clumping, ensuring its suitability as a high-quality fertilizer combining nitrogen and calcium.

Usage

1. Direct Application:

   • Used as a base or top dressing for crops like grains, fruits, and vegetables.

   • Suitable for modern irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, spray irrigation, and fertigation.

2. Foliar Spray:

   • Applied as a diluted solution to quickly supply calcium and nitrogen to plants.

3. Water-Soluble Fertilization:

   • Fully dissolved in water for use in integrated water and fertilizer systems, particularly effective in greenhouses or high-value crops.

Dosage

• Field Crops (e.g., wheat, maize, rice):

  • 10–20 kg per acre, adjusted based on soil fertility and crop stage.

• Fruit Trees and Cash Crops (e.g., apples, grapes, citrus):

  • 20–40 kg per acre, applied in multiple stages during the growing season.

• Vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers):

  • 10–30 kg per acre, with drip irrigation or fertigation for best results.

• Foliar Application:

  • Use a 0.5%–1% solution (5–10 g per liter of water), sprayed every 7–10 days.

Precautions

1. Avoid applying under high temperatures or strong sunlight to prevent volatilization or crop damage.

2. Do not mix with strongly acidic or alkaline fertilizers.

3. Avoid overuse to prevent soil acidification or salinity issues.

Key Regional Markets

1. Asia: China, India, Thailand, Vietnam

2. Europe: Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Romania

3. North America: United States, Canada

4. South America: Brazil, Argentina

Summary

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate as a highly effective and versatile fertilizer provides dual essential supply of nitrogen in both nitrate and ammonium forms and ensures immediate and sustained nutrient availability, while its calcium content improves soil structure, reduces compaction, and enhances crop quality by strengthening cell walls and boosting stress resistance. With high water solubility, CAN is ideal for modern agricultural practices, including fertigation and hydroponics, and its neutral to slightly acidic pH makes it suitable for a wide range of soil types, especially acidic soils.