Calcium Ammonium Nitrate

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) Overview

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a widely used nitrogen fertilizer that combines ammonium nitrate with calcium carbonate or dolomite, providing both readily available nitrogen and calcium for soil conditioning.

Compared with standard nitrogen fertilizers, CAN offers better soil compatibility, reduced acidity, and improved nutrient absorption, making it ideal for modern agriculture.

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a widely-used nitrogen fertilizer that combines quick-acting nitrate nitrogen with slower-release ammonium nitrogen, enriched with calcium for improved soil and plant health. As one of the most important nitrogen fertilizers globally, CAN offers balanced nutrition, reduced leaching potential, and enhanced safety compared to conventional ammonium nitrate.

Key Benefits of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate

• Balanced Nitrogen Supply (26%–28%) – Immediate and sustained nutrient release

• Improves Soil Structure – Calcium enhances soil aeration and root growth

• Low Volatilization Loss – Higher nitrogen use efficiency

• Safe & Easy Handling – Less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate

• Suitable for All Soil Types – Especially effective in acidic soils

Can Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Chemical Composition and Formula

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate is not a single chemical compound but rather a manufactured fertilizer product created by combining ammonium nitrate with calcium carbonate or dolomite.

• Primary Components: Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) + Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃)

• Typical Formulation: Approximately 75-80% Ammonium Nitrate + 20-25% Calcium Carbonate/Dolomite

• Common Grades: 27% N, 26% N, and 25.5% N are standard commercial grades

• Nutrient Composition:

  • Total Nitrogen (N): 25.5-27%

    • 50% as nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻)

    • 50% as ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺)

  • Calcium (CaO): 8-12% (water-soluble)

  • Magnesium (MgO): 3-5% (in dolomitic formulations)

• CAS Numbers:

  • Ammonium Nitrate: 6484-52-2

  • Calcium Carbonate: 471-34-1

• Molecular Considerations:

  • NH₄NO₃ → NH₄⁺ + NO₃⁻

  • CaCO₃ → Ca²⁺ + CO₃²⁻

    
    

Can Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Characteristics:

CAN is typically produced as hard, spherical granules or prills with good mechanical strength and storage properties. The calcium carbonate coating reduces hygroscopicity and improves handling characteristics while providing valuable secondary nutrients.

Chemical Properties and Performance Characteristics

The following table details the key properties and performance attributes of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate:

CAN Fertilizer Primary Agricultural Applications

Field Crop Production

• Cereals (Wheat, Barley, Maize): Base dressing and top-dressing for improved yield and protein content

• Oilseed Crops (Canola, Sunflower): Promotes vigorous growth and seed development

• Forage Crops (Grasses, Alfalfa): Enhances biomass production and nutritional quality

• Root Crops (Potatoes, Sugar Beets): Supports tuber and root development with calcium benefit

  
  

Horticultural Crops

• Vegetable Production: Provides balanced nitrogen for leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucurbits

• Fruit Orchards: Spring application for vegetative growth and fruit set

• Berry Crops: Supports cane growth and fruit development in raspberries and blueberries

• Vineyards: Promotes canopy development and grape quality

  
  

Pasture and Grassland Management

• Pasture Renovation: Stimulates grass establishment and competitiveness

• Hay Production: Increases dry matter yield and protein content

• Grazing Systems: Supports high stocking rates and animal performance

• Silage Crops: Enhances fermentation quality and nutritional value

  
  

Specialty Applications

• Organic Transition: Accepted in some organic farming systems during transition periods

• Low-Chloride Crops: Ideal for chloride-sensitive crops like tobacco, potatoes, and berries

• Calcium-Deficient Soils: Corrects calcium deficiencies while providing nitrogen

• Conservation Agriculture: Suitable for no-till and reduced-tillage systems

  
  

  
  

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate vs Other Nitrogen Fertilizers

CAN is the best balance between efficiency, safety, and soil health, especially for long-term agricultural productivity.

FAQ – Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Wholesale

MOQ depends on packaging (usually 1–20 tons). Contact us for details.

Yes, we support customized branding and packaging.

Yes, CAN dissolves well and is suitable for drip irrigation systems.

Typically 7–15 days depending on order volume.

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