Calcium nitrate
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Calcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter) and Kalksalpeter, is a soluble salt with the formula Ca(NO3)2.4H2O. It is deliquescent, readily absorbing moisture from the air. It is used as a reagent, a pyrotechnic and a fertilizer. The fertilizer grade (15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca) is popular in the greenhouse and hydroponics trades; it has some ammonium nitrate and water incorporated in the molecular structure as 5Ca(NO3)2.NH4NO3.10H2O. There also is a formulation without ammonia: Ca(NO3)2.3H2O (12.8-0-0 + 18.3%Ca).
Norgessalpeter was the first nitrogen fertilizer compound to be manufactured. Production began at Notodden, Norway in 1905. Most of the world's calcium nitrate is now made in Porsgrunn.
Nitrocalcite is a form of calcium nitrate which occurs in nature. It occasionally forms an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment, as in stables or caverns.
External links
- [Yara corporate history]
- [Calcium Nitrate - a Hydroculture Salt]
- [CalciNit (Kalksalpeter Gartnervare (Norwegian)]
- For a full list of external links to MSDSs, spectroscopic data, commercial chemicals suppliers etc. for this compound, see [Chemical sources].
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