What is and how to use calcium nitrate in agriculture?

Calcium nitrate can be used to have better crops

Nowadays, getting crops that yield more and better is quite simple. We have at our disposal a huge variety of fertilizers and fertilizers with which, provided they are used in the right way and at the right time, they will allow us to have what we want so much. One of them is the calcium nitrate, which is perfect for plants to grow everything they have to grow.

And it is that although they cannot lack water, as living beings they cannot be without nutrients, and calcium is one of the most important for them to develop normally.

What is it?

Calcium nitrate is a fertilizer

Calcium nitrate is an inorganic compound (that is, it does not come from any living being) which is also called Norwegian nitrate of lime. It is a type of salt that has no color or contains water and is widely used in agriculture, since it is included in many fertilizers. In fact, it is very interesting for plants to grow strongly, since calcium is one of the minerals that cells use to divide and strengthen themselves.

The formula is Ca (NO3) 2. You may have seen it once if you have bought one to take care of your crops. And it is very easy to find it in nurseries and garden stores; something that is undoubtedly interesting since it means that we can acquire it every time we need it.

Composition of calcium nitrate

It is important to know the composition of the fertilizers that are purchased, since this way we can make better use of them. In the case of calcium nitrate, its general composition is as follows:

  • Nitrogen (N): between 14,5 and 15.5%. More than 90% of all nitrogen is usually in the nitric form, with the rest in the form of ammonia nitrogen.
  • Football (CaO): between 26 and 27%

It can vary in decimals depending on the manufacturer, but little. The reaction that is generated between both chemicals in the earth causes the pH of this to rise slightly, that is, it becomes more alkaline.

What uses does it have?

Calcium nitrate is used to:

  • Treat wastewater
  • Accelerate the setting of concrete
  • And as a fertilizer

On this last point we are going to expand more:

Things to know before using calcium nitrate on crops

Calcium nitrate can be used to fertilize tomatoes

We start with this topic, since it will depend on whether it is really useful to us, or that, on the contrary, we run out of plants. So that, The first thing is to know that it can NOT be mixed with fertilizers that contain sulfates and / or phosphorus, such as potassium sulfate or phosphoric acid.

In addition, improper use can cause problems for crops. The most common are the apical rot of the fruits, lettuce with the margin of the leaves "burned" or tip burn, or the appearance of dark colored spots on the apples known as bitter pits.

As a reminder, it should be borne in mind that both calcium and nitrogen are essential for the proper growth of plants. The first is used to build cell walls, improve resistance against the attack of pests and diseases, as well as to ensure that the fruits are of quality; while the other is essential for them to grow, since it is also a component of chlorophyll, a green pigment without which they would not be able to photosynthesize.

What can it do for crops?

Calcium nitrate can be very beneficial for plants. Some of them we have already mentioned, but there is still more:

  • It is interesting for raise the pH ground
  • Helps prevent (and correct, if applicable) calcium deficiencies in plants
  • Get them to have better growth
  • Increases the natural resistance of plants against your enemies, such as mealybugs or pathogenic fungi

But yes, never apply it to acid plants, such as Japanese maples, camellias, azaleas or gardenias, among others. Being alkalizing, it would make its leaves chlorotic, since some essential nutrients for them, such as iron, could not be absorbed by its roots.

What is the dose to be applied to the plants?

Calcium nitrate can be obtained granular or liquid. The doses therefore vary depending on this, but in general the following is recommended:

  • Fruit trees: 100-150kg / ha after fruit set.
  • Herbaceous vegetables: 300kg / ha throughout the season.
  • Horticultural climbers: 300-350kg / ha throughout the season.

If your plants are ornamental, the dose will be much lower. For instance:

  • If they are in small pots up to 20 centimeters in diameter, you have to add a small spoonful (of the coffee ones).
  • If they are in large pots, a tablespoon.
  • If they are in the ground, about 50-100 grams per plant, depending on whether it is small or not.

They must always be paid following the manufacturer's instructions. If the dose is higher than indicated, we would have problems in the crops, and if it is lower, we would hardly notice its effects.

Where to buy?

If you want to start fertilizing your plants with calcium nitrate, then don't wait any longer and buy it from right here.


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