Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate (Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, 15.5-0-0 + 19% CaO) is the industry standard for fast-acting, chloride‑free nitrogen and readily available calcium. Its unique combination of 100% nitrate‑nitrogen and fully water‑soluble calcium makes it indispensable for greenhouse production, fruit quality improvement, and preventing calcium‑related physiological disorders. For growers who demand rapid crop response, firm fruit, and longer shelf life, our high‑purity calcium nitrate delivers consistent, professional results.

I. Why Calcium Nitrate Is Essential for Modern Agriculture

Nitrate Nitrogen – Immediate Uptake
Unlike ammonium or urea, nitrate‑N (NO₃⁻) is taken up directly by plant roots without any need for microbial conversion. It works instantly, even in cold, wet, or acidic soils. This makes calcium nitrate the ideal starter and early‑season nitrogen source, providing fast green‑up and vigorous vegetative growth.

Soluble Calcium – Quality and Shelf Life
Calcium is one of the most difficult nutrients for plants to translocate. By supplying a fully soluble form in the irrigation water, calcium nitrate ensures that calcium reaches rapidly growing tissues – young leaves, shoot tips, and developing fruits. Adequate calcium prevents blossom‑end rot in tomatoes and peppers, bitter pit in apples, tip burn in lettuce, and internal browning in celery.

Chloride‑Free and Low Salt Index
Our calcium nitrate contains negligible chloride (<0.01%), making it safe for even the most chloride‑sensitive crops (tobacco, berries, citrus, potatoes). Its low salt index allows high application rates without root damage.

pH Buffering and Compatibility
When injected into fertigation systems alongside acidic fertilizers (e.g., mono‑potassium phosphate, phosphoric acid), calcium nitrate helps maintain a stable pH of 5.5–6.5 in the root zone, improving the availability of all nutrients.

II. Recognizing Calcium and Nitrogen Deficiency

Calcium Deficiency Symptoms

• Blossom‑end rot (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, watermelons).
• Bitter pit and cork spot (apples, pears).
• Tip burn (lettuce, cabbage, strawberries).
• Poor fruit set, cracking, and reduced shelf life.
• Stunted root growth and dieback of growing points.

Nitrogen Deficiency (Lack of Nitrate)

• Uniform pale green to yellow leaves (starting on older foliage).
• Stunted growth, reduced tillering, premature senescence.

Crops That Benefit Most

• Greenhouse vegetables (tomato, cucumber, pepper, lettuce).
• Fruit trees (apple, pear, citrus, stone fruits).
• Berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry).
• Potatoes and root crops.
• Leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, celery).

III. Application Methods and Recommendations

Fertigation (Drip and Sprinkler Systems)

• Rate: 50–150 kg per hectare per application, depending on crop stage.
• Concentration: 0.5–1.5 g per liter of irrigation water.
• Frequency: Daily or every other day for greenhouse crops; 2–3 times per week for field crops.
• Critical period: From fruit set through harvest for calcium‑sensitive crops.
• Advantage: Delivers both nitrate‑N and calcium directly to the active root zone.

Foliar Spray (for rapid calcium correction)

• Concentration: 0.5–1.0% (500–1000 g per 100 L water).
• Timing: Apply at fruit set, during rapid fruit enlargement, and pre‑harvest.
• Frequency: 2–4 applications spaced 7–14 days apart.
• Additive: Use a non‑ionic surfactant (0.1%) for better leaf coverage.
• Response: Visible improvement in fruit firmness within days.

Soil Application (Pre‑Plant or Side‑Dress)

• Rate: 200–400 kg per hectare broadcast and incorporated.
• Timing: Apply 1–2 weeks before planting or as a side‑dress during early growth.
• Benefit: Provides a baseline of nitrate and calcium for the entire crop cycle.

Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

• Target: 150–200 ppm N (as NO₃⁻), 100–150 ppm Ca.
• Use calcium nitrate as the sole source of both calcium and nitrate in standard formulas (e.g., Hoagland, Steiner).
• Maintain pH at 5.8–6.2 after mixing.

Seedling and Transplant Production

• Concentration: 0.5–1.0 g per liter of water, applied every 3–4 days.
• Benefit: Prevents damping‑off, promotes strong root development, and reduces transplant shock.

IV. Technical Specifications (Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate, High‑Purity Grade)

Chemical Properties

• Formula: Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O
• Total nitrogen (N): 15.5% minimum (all nitrate form)
• Calcium oxide (CaO): 19.0% minimum (actual Ca: 14%)
• Molecular weight: 236.15 g/mol
• Solubility: 1400 g/L at 20°C (extremely high)
• pH of 1% solution: 6.5–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Physical Properties

• Appearance: White, translucent granules or small crystals
• Particle size: 2–4 mm (granular), 0.5–2 mm (crystalline), fine powder available
• Bulk density: 900–1100 kg/m³
• Moisture: ≤ 0.5%
• Hygroscopicity: Moderate – store in sealed bags.

Quality Standards

• Purity: ≥ 99.0%
• Heavy metals: Cd ≤ 1 ppm, Pb ≤ 2 ppm, As ≤ 1 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm
• Chloride (Cl): ≤ 0.01%
• Insoluble matter: ≤ 0.05%

Available Grades

• Agricultural Grade: For soil, fertigation, and foliar use.
• Greenhouse Grade: Higher purity, low heavy metals, fully soluble.
• Hydroponic Grade: Ultra‑low chloride (<0.005%) and low heavy metals.

V. Crop‑Specific Benefits and Programs

Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants (Greenhouse and Field)

• Start fertigation at first flower: 10–15 kg per hectare every 2–3 days.
• Foliar spray: 0.5% at fruit set and again 10 days later.
• Results: Virtually eliminates blossom‑end rot, produces glossy, firm fruits with extended shelf life (up to 2 weeks longer).

Apples and Pears

• Soil application: 200–300 kg/ha in early spring before bud break.
• Foliar sprays: 0.7–1% at petal fall, 1 month after bloom, and 2 weeks before harvest.
• Results: Prevents bitter pit and cork spot; fruit firmness after 6 months storage increased by 30%.

Lettuce and Leafy Vegetables

• Fertigation: 5–10 kg per hectare every 3–4 days from transplanting to harvest.
• Foliar spray: 0.5% if tip burn appears.
• Results: Dark green, crisp leaves; no marginal necrosis; higher marketable yield.

Strawberries

• Drip application: 5–15 kg per hectare per week from flowering through harvest.
• Foliar supplement: 0.3% at early fruiting.
• Results: Firmer berries, reduced mould, improved transportability.

Potatoes

• At tuber initiation and bulking: 100–150 kg per hectare calcium nitrate.
• Benefits: Reduces internal brown spot and hollow heart; increases specific gravity.

Citrus

• Split applications: 200 kg/ha in spring, 200 kg/ha after fruit set.
• Foliar: 0.5% during fruit enlargement.
• Results: Improved rind quality, fewer creasing, higher juice content.

VI. Advantages Over Other Calcium and Nitrogen Sources

Versus Ammonium Nitrate or Urea

• Calcium nitrate provides immediate nitrate‑N (no conversion delay) and adds calcium.
• Does not acidify soil as much as ammonium‑based fertilizers.
• No biuret (which can damage seedlings).

Versus Calcium Chloride

• Calcium nitrate supplies both nitrogen and calcium; calcium chloride supplies only calcium.
• Calcium nitrate does not add harmful chloride to soil or plants.

Versus Lime (Calcium Carbonate)

• Lime is insoluble, slow‑acting, and raises soil pH. Calcium nitrate is fully soluble, fast‑acting, and pH‑neutral, making it suitable for fertigation and foliar use.

VII. Environmental and Safety Profile

Soil and Water
Calcium nitrate is fully plant‑available; residual nitrate can leach in sandy soils if over‑watered. However, when applied through split fertigation, leaching is minimized. The calcium component improves soil structure by flocculating clay particles.

Safety Precautions
Calcium nitrate is classified as an oxidizer (UN 1454). Keep away from organic materials, fuels, and reducing agents. Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask when handling. In case of eye contact, flush with water; if ingested, drink water and seek medical advice.

Storage
Store in original sealed bags in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from combustibles. Shelf life: 24 months.

VIII. Quality Assurance and Certifications

Our calcium nitrate tetrahydrate is manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified facilities. Each batch is tested for nutrient content, heavy metals, chloride, solubility, and particle size. Certificates of Analysis accompany every shipment. OMRI‑listed grades for organic production are available.

IX. Why Choose Our Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate

• Exceptional purity – Low chloride, low heavy metals, safe for sensitive crops and hydroponics.
• Rapid and complete dissolution – No clogging of emitters; clear solutions for foliar sprays.
• Consistent granule/crystal size – Uniform blending and application.
• Technical support – Our agronomists provide fertigation schedules, deficiency diagnosis, and quality improvement programs.
• Flexible packaging – 25 kg bags, 1‑ton FIBCs, and bulk containers.