Calcium nitrate fertilizer: corrector for acid soils

calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2*4H2O) is a ready-to-use fertilizer that releases the nitrate ion and the cation into the soil. The cations quickly come into contact with the exchange complex, while the NO3 ion is subject to a leaching phenomena, therefore fertilizations with calcium nitrate must be carried out on relatively dry soil to prevent solubilization and in small doses over time.

There is also ammoniacal calcium nitrate on the market which releases the NH4 + ion in the soil, which thanks to its very small size is subtracted from washout. The NH4 + ions, contained in the ammoniacal calcium nitrate, are available to the plant over time, thanks to the denitrification (oxidation to nitric ions), making this calcium and ammonium nitrate fertilizer available to the plant. it can also be distributed in more abundant quantities, in periods far from blooming.

Sodium nitrate is also part of the calcium nitrate family, the physical characteristics of this fertilizer are mainly due to the fact that the raw product is formed by small gray hygroscopic crystals, while the refined product is melted and pulverized in the form of small white granules, easily soluble when in contact with water. One of the properties of sodium nitrate is that of liberating nitric nitrogen , therefore it is particularly suitable for cover fertilizations.

It is physiologically alkaline due to the presence of the Na + ion. It is currently little used.

Benefits of calcium nitrate

The benefits of calcium nitrate, both in the agricultural sector and in the gardening sector, are derived from the primary composition present in this fertilizer, 15% nitrogen and 30% calcium. Nitrate is fundamental for a good plants growth, it acts on the color of the leaves making them brighter, increasing the duration of the flowers and strengthening the plant as a whole.

If nitrogen brings these benefits, the same cannot be said of calcium, which could lead the plant to yellowing of the leaves, due to an overload of chlorine, (called "calcium poisoning").

The two substances together still manage to produce excellent results from the synthesis, not from their fusion.

Usage of calcium Nitrate

The use of calcium nitrate is very widespread in the covering of wheat, in the crops of vegetable gardens and industrial plants, excellent for plants in the fruit production phase , without exaggerating their quantity.

With a monthly administration, in the summer period, it is possible to intervene directly on the growth of the fruits. The recommended treatment is administration after watering the plant in order to avoid the dissolution of the granules, caused by the water present. To ensure that the compound does not lose its effectiveness, it is advisable to administer the product away from the roots , to prevent them from being burned.

Calcium nitrate is advised in the growth of tomatoes: in fact, calcium is an indispensable element in the growth of leaves and in the pre-flowering phase of the plant.
The treatment with calcium nitrate must be carried out throughout all the season to ensure that the tissues of the tomato plants develop correctly.

Effects produced by the fertilization of some vegetables

To recognize the visible effects produced by fertilization with calcium nitrate, it is necessary to make sure that the correct administration brings evident benefits to the consistency of the tomato, also improving its water consistency. Otherwise, the plant presents phases of apical rot, due to the lack of calcium and the wrong water administration, therefore it is necessary to increase the dose.

In addition to these aspects, calcium nitrate acts as a cover to the tomato plant, protecting it from any diseases, more than can be obtained with the administration of calcium sulphate.

Of great importance is the use of calcium nitrate in the growth of aubergines.

The quantities required for good growth vary from the development stage to the ripening of the plant itself. In 500 square meters of land planted with aubergines, a kilo of calcium nitrate is needed, from the moment of transplanting to the growth of the aubergine to the size of a walnut.

In the next phase, up to the harvest, it is possible to fertilize with 500 grams of product. It is good to keep in mind the type of soil that is cultivated, because each type of soil has a different fertilization: for example, calcium nitrate it is an excellent corrector of acid soils.