Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (27-0-0-12CaO) represents a scientifically advanced nitrogen fertilizer that delivers more than just primary nutrition. By combining immediately available nitrate nitrogen, stabilized ammonium nitrogen, and essential water-soluble calcium, CAN provides a comprehensive nutritional package that supports both crop performance and long-term soil health.

Core Scientific Advantages

1. Dual-Form Nitrogen Technology for Optimal Uptake
CAN contains nitrogen in two distinct chemical forms:

• 50% Nitrate Nitrogen (NO₃⁻): Immediately available for plant uptake, providing rapid growth response
• 50% Ammonium Nitrogen (NH₄⁺): Converted gradually in soil, offering sustained nutrient release
  This balanced formulation ensures continuous nitrogen availability throughout critical growth stages while minimizing leaching losses common with nitrate-only fertilizers.

2. Integrated Calcium Nutrition
With 12% water-soluble calcium oxide (CaO), CAN addresses two critical needs:

• Plant Physiology: Calcium strengthens cell walls, improves membrane integrity, and enhances stress resistance
• Fruit Quality: Prevents physiological disorders including blossom-end rot, bitter pit, and internal breakdown
• Soil Structure: Supports aggregate formation and maintains proper soil porosity

3. pH-Neutral Soil Impact
Unlike ammonium-based fertilizers that acidify soils over time, CAN maintains neutral pH conditions through:

• Balanced cation-anion uptake by plants
• Minimal residual acidity in the soil profile
• Reduced need for corrective liming applications

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition:

• Total Nitrogen: 27.0% minimum
  • Nitrate Nitrogen: 13.5%
  • Ammonium Nitrogen: 13.5%
• Calcium Oxide (CaO): 12.0% minimum
• Magnesium Oxide (MgO): 4.0% typical
• Water-soluble Calcium: 100%

Physical Properties:

• Granule Size: 3.0-5.0 mm
• Granule Hardness: ≥45 N
• Bulk Density: 950-1050 kg/m³
• Critical Relative Humidity: 59.4% at 30°C
• Salt Index: 61.9 (relative to sodium nitrate=100)

Application Guidelines

Field Crops:

• Cereals: 300-400 kg/ha split between sowing and tillering stages
• Oilseeds: 250-350 kg/ha with emphasis on early growth phases
• Forage Crops: 200-300 kg/ha following each cutting

Horticultural Crops:

• Vegetables: 150-250 kg/ha with multiple split applications
• Fruit Trees: 200-400 kg/ha based on canopy size and yield targets
• Berry Crops: 100-200 kg/ha with emphasis on calcium-sensitive stages

Special Conditions:

• Cold Soils: Preferred nitrogen source due to nitrate availability
• Alkaline Soils: Reduces pH drift while providing essential calcium
• High-Rainfall Areas: Minimizes leaching through ammonium retention

Agronomic Benefits

Yield Enhancement:

• 15-25% yield increase in cereal crops
• 20-30% improvement in vegetable production
• Enhanced fruit size and quality in orchard crops

Quality Parameters:

• Increased protein content in grains (1.5-2.5% improvement)
• Improved fruit firmness and shelf life
• Enhanced color development in fruits and vegetables

Soil Health Indicators:

• Maintains optimal pH range (6.0-7.5)
• Improves calcium saturation percentage
• Supports microbial diversity and activity

Comparative Advantages

Versus Urea:

• 40-60% lower ammonia volatilization
• Immediate availability in cold conditions
• No phytotoxicity concerns

Versus Ammonium Nitrate:

• Enhanced safety profile (non-explosive)
• Additional calcium nutrition
• Improved storage characteristics

Versus Compound Fertilizers:

• Higher nutrient concentration
• Better compatibility with other inputs
• More precise application control

Safety and Handling

Storage Requirements:

• Maintain in original packaging until use
• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
• Keep away from incompatible materials

Application Safety:

• Non-explosive under normal conditions
• Low dust generation during handling
• Compatible with standard application equipment

Environmental Profile:

• Reduced nitrate leaching potential
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Minimal heavy metal content

Economic Considerations

Cost Efficiency:

• Reduced application frequency versus multiple products
• Lower transportation costs per nutrient unit
• Decreased need for supplemental calcium applications

Return on Investment:

• $3-5 return per $1 invested in cereal systems
• $4-7 return per $1 invested in horticulture
• Long-term soil health benefits beyond immediate yield

Industry Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management
• OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety
• EU Fertilizer Product Regulation 2019/1009 compliant

Global Application Experience

• European Union: Standard nitrogen source for regulated nitrate zones
• North America: Growing adoption in high-value specialty crops
• Asia-Pacific: Increasing use in intensive vegetable production
• Africa: Valued for both yield enhancement and soil improvement

Future Development
Ongoing research focuses on:

• Enhanced efficiency formulations
• Specialty blends for specific cropping systems
• Improved granule characteristics for precision agriculture

Professional Support Services

• Soil and tissue testing recommendations
• Application timing and rate calculators
• Custom blending services available
• Agronomic consultation for specific crops