Calcium nitrate
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.
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.
Related links
- Yara corporate history
- Calcium Nitrate – a Hydroculture Salt
- CalciNit (Kalksalpeter Gartnervare (Norwegian)
Categories: Chemistry stubs | Chemical compounds | Salts