Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (27-0-0 + 12% CaO) is a premium nitrogen fertilizer that combines two forms of nitrogen with water‑soluble calcium. Unlike straight urea or ammonium nitrate, CAN delivers nitrate‑N for immediate uptake, ammonium‑N for sustained feeding, and calcium to strengthen cell walls and buffer soil acidity. It is the go‑to choice for growers who want higher nitrogen efficiency, better crop quality, and long‑term soil fertility without the acidifying side effects of conventional ammonium‑based fertilizers.

I. How CAN Works: A Smarter Nitrogen Release Pattern

Immediate Nitrate Nitrogen (13.5%)
Half of the nitrogen in CAN is in the nitrate form (NO₃⁻). Plants absorb nitrate directly from the soil solution without any microbial conversion. This means CAN works quickly, even in cold, wet soils where urea or ammonium may stall. Nitrate is especially valuable during early growth, after heavy rain, or when plants need a rapid green‑up.

Sustained Ammonium Nitrogen (13.5%)
The other half is in the ammonium form (NH₄⁺). Ammonium carries a positive charge and is held by clay and organic matter in the soil, resistant to leaching. It is converted to nitrate by soil bacteria over one to three weeks, providing a steady nitrogen supply that matches crop demand. This dual‑form release pattern reduces the risk of both denitrification loss and nitrate leaching.

Active Calcium (12% CaO)
CAN contains 12% water‑soluble calcium oxide (CaO). Calcium has three critical roles:

• It strengthens cell walls, improving fruit firmness, shelf life, and resistance to disorders like blossom‑end rot.
• It flocculates clay particles, improving soil structure, aeration, and water infiltration.
• It buffers against pH change, especially in sandy or acidic soils, reducing the need for frequent liming.

II. Key Benefits Over Other Nitrogen Sources

Higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)
Field trials consistently show that CAN achieves 70–80% nitrogen recovery compared to 50–60% for urea under the same conditions. The reason: less ammonia volatilization, less leaching, and a better synchrony between nitrogen release and crop uptake.

No Acidification
Urea and ammonium sulfate leave behind hydrogen ions that gradually acidify the soil, forcing growers to lime more often. CAN has a neutral to slightly basic effect. After repeated use, soil pH remains stable, preserving the availability of phosphorus and micronutrients.

Safer to Handle and Store
Unlike ammonium nitrate (34‑0‑0), CAN is non‑explosive and non‑flammable. It does not require special security or hazardous material permits. The hard, dust‑free granules flow easily through spreaders and do not cake under normal humidity.

Excellent in Cool Soils
In early spring, soils are often too cold for rapid nitrification of urea or ammonium. CAN’s pre‑formed nitrate gives crops a vital head start, leading to faster emergence and more uniform stands.

III. Application Guidelines

Soil Application (Broadcast or Band)

• General field crops: 250–400 kg per hectare before planting or as a top‑dress.
• For cereals (wheat, barley): Apply 150–250 kg/ha at tillering and again at stem elongation.
• For maize (corn): Apply 300–400 kg/ha split equally at planting and at V6 stage.
• Incorporate lightly or apply before light rain; CAN is less volatile than urea, but shallow incorporation always helps.

Fertigation (Drip and Sprinkler)

• Rate: 5–15 kg per hectare per irrigation event.
• Concentration: 0.5–1.5 g per liter of irrigation water.
• Frequency: Weekly during active growth; reduce after fruit fill.
• Advantage: 100% soluble, no clogging, and the calcium helps maintain clean drip lines.

Foliar Supplement (for calcium boost)

• Concentration: 1–2% solution (1–2 kg per 100 L water).
• Timing: Apply at fruit set and during rapid fruit enlargement.
• Use a non‑ionic surfactant. Avoid mixing with phosphates or sulfates in the same tank.

Special Situations

• Acidic soils (pH < 5.5): Use CAN as the primary nitrogen source; it will gradually raise the pH of the root zone.
• Sandy soils: Split applications (three to four times) to reduce leaching; CAN’s ammonium fraction holds better than pure nitrate.
• Protected cultivation: CAN’s low salt index and calcium content make it ideal for greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

IV. Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

• Total nitrogen (N): 27% (13.5% nitrate‑N, 13.5% ammonium‑N)
• Calcium oxide (CaO): 12% minimum
• Magnesium oxide (MgO): trace to 2% (depending on source)
• Water‑soluble calcium: 100%
• Chloride (Cl): ≤ 0.02%

Physical Properties

• Granule size: 2–5 mm (uniform, free‑flowing)
• Granule hardness: ≥ 40 N (resists breakage)
• Bulk density: 950–1050 kg/m³
• pH (1% suspension): 6.5–7.5 (neutral)
• Moisture: ≤ 0.3%

Quality Standards

• Heavy metals: Cd ≤ 1 ppm, Pb ≤ 2 ppm, As ≤ 1 ppm
• Biuret: none
• Anti‑caking coating: applied (optional)

V. Crop‑Specific Results and Recommendations

Cereals (wheat, barley, oats)

• CAN as a top‑dress at tillering and flag leaf increases grain protein by 1–2% and test weight by 2–3 kg/hL.
• Yield increase: 8–15% over urea in side‑by‑side trials on acidic or coarse‑textured soils.
• Farmers also report less lodging because of stronger stems (calcium effect).

Maize (corn)

• Starter band of CAN (100 kg/ha) at planting provides immediate N and calcium for root development.
  ‑ Side‑dress at V6: 250–300 kg/ha. The nitrate component helps overcome early‑season nitrogen deficiency in cool, wet springs.
• Yield advantage: typically 10–20% higher compared to ammonium sulfate or urea on low‑pH soils.

Fruit trees (citrus, apple, stone fruits)

• Spring application: 200–300 kg/ha CAN plus potash.
• Post‑bloom: another 150–200 kg/ha through fertigation.
• Benefits: Improved fruit set, fewer cracks, better color, and longer storage life.
• On sandy soils, split application into three light doses reduces leaching.

Vegetables (tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce)

• Greenhouse: Fertigate with CAN at 5–10 kg/ha every 5–7 days from transplanting to harvest.
• Field: 300–400 kg/ha total, split over 3–4 applications.
• Calcium in CAN prevents blossom‑end rot in peppers and tomatoes, tip burn in lettuce, and brown heart in celery.
• Yield increases of 15–25% are typical where calcium or nitrogen sulfur deficiencies exist.

Forage and pasture

• CAN applied at 150–200 kg/ha after each cutting or grazing boosts crude protein and dry matter yield.
• Because CAN does not acidify, it can be used repeatedly without needing lime.
• On grass‑legume mixes, the nitrate fraction encourages legume growth less than ammonium, so adjust timing accordingly.

VI. Environmental and Soil Health Benefits

Reduced Nitrate Leaching
Compared to pure nitrate fertilizers (e.g., sodium nitrate), CAN has 50% of its N in the ammonium form. This ammonium is retained by cation exchange sites and gradually converted to nitrate, reducing the peak nitrate load during heavy rains.

Lower Ammonia Volatilization
Urea can lose 20–30% of applied nitrogen as ammonia gas when surface‑applied on warm, dry days. CAN’s ammonia loss is typically less than 5%, even without incorporation. This saves money and reduces nitrogen deposition on non‑target areas.

Soil Structure Improvement
Calcium from CAN flocculates clay particles, creating larger pores for better root penetration, air exchange, and water infiltration. Over multiple seasons, this effect can reduce crusting and runoff.

Fights Soil Acidification
Continuous use of ammonium‑based fertilizers forces growers to apply lime every few years. CAN’s neutral pH effect eliminates this need, saving lime cost and labor.

VII. Safety, Storage, and Handling

Safe to Store
CAN is not classified as an explosive or oxidizing agent. It can be stored in standard dry fertilizer buildings, away from organic materials and fuels. No special security registration is required.

Granule Integrity
Our CAN granules are coated with a low‑dust anti‑caking agent. They remain free‑flowing even after months of storage. Avoid stacking bags above 1.5 meters.

Personal Protection
Wear gloves and dust mask when handling large amounts. In case of eye contact, rinse with water. Wash hands after use. Keep out of reach of children.

VIII. Why Choose Our CAN

• Consistent Quality: Every batch is tested for nitrogen form ratio, calcium content, and granule strength.
• High Solubility: For fertigation and hydroponic systems, our CAN passes through 50‑mesh screens with no residue.
• Custom Blends: We can combine CAN with potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, or micronutrients to create tailor‑made grades.
• Technical Support: Our agronomists provide soil test interpretation, fertigation schedules, and trouble‑shooting for calcium‑related disorders.

IX. Ordering and Contact

Packaging Options

• 25 kg moisture‑proof multi‑wall bags
• 50 kg woven sacks
• 1000 kg FIBC (bulk bag)
• Bulk trucks or container‑loose for large orders