Fertiliser Technology

Q1: Nitrogen content of a nitrogenous fertiliser is 35%. It could be

A urea

B ammonium nitrate

C calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)

D ammonium sulphate

ANS:B - ammonium nitrate

The nitrogen content of a nitrogenous fertiliser is 35%, indicating that it could be ammonium nitrate. Explanation:

  1. Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3): Ammonium nitrate is a nitrogenous fertilizer commonly used in agriculture. It consists of nitrogen in the form of ammonium ions (NH4⁺) and nitrate ions (NO3⁻).
  2. Nitrogen Content: The nitrogen content of fertilizers is expressed as a percentage by weight of nitrogen in the product. In the case given, the fertilizer has a nitrogen content of 35%, meaning that 35% of its weight is nitrogen.
  3. Ammonium Nitrate Composition: Ammonium nitrate typically contains approximately 34% to 35% nitrogen by weight. Therefore, a fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 35% matches the nitrogen content typically found in ammonium nitrate.
  4. Other Options:
    • Urea usually contains around 46% nitrogen by weight, so it doesn't match the given nitrogen content.
    • Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) typically contains around 25% nitrogen, so it doesn't match the given nitrogen content.
    • Ammonium sulfate usually contains around 21% nitrogen, so it doesn't match the given nitrogen content.
  5. Conclusion: Based on the nitrogen content provided (35%), ammonium nitrate is the fertilizer that matches this criterion.
Therefore, the nitrogenous fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 35% is likely to be ammonium nitrate. and  Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a chemical compound that serves as a popular nitrogenous fertilizer in agriculture and as a component in various industrial applications. Here's an explanation of its properties and uses:
  1. Composition: Ammonium nitrate is composed of ammonium ions (NH4⁺) and nitrate ions (NO3⁻). It has a chemical formula of NH4NO3.
  2. Nitrogen Content: Ammonium nitrate is valued for its high nitrogen content, with typically around 34% to 35% nitrogen by weight. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
  3. Water Solubility: Ammonium nitrate is highly soluble in water, which allows for easy application to soil or for use in liquid fertilizers. Its solubility facilitates the rapid uptake of nitrogen by plants, promoting efficient nutrient absorption.
  4. pH: Ammonium nitrate is neutral in pH, which means it does not significantly alter the acidity or alkalinity of soil when applied. This makes it suitable for use in a wide range of soil types without causing significant changes to soil pH.
  5. Fertilizer Application: As a fertilizer, ammonium nitrate provides readily available nitrogen to plants, supporting their growth, development, and overall productivity. It is commonly used in agriculture for crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
  6. Industrial Uses: Besides its role in agriculture, ammonium nitrate is also utilized in various industrial applications. It is a key component in the production of explosives, particularly in the mining industry, where it serves as an oxidizing agent in explosive formulations.
  7. Safety Considerations: While ammonium nitrate is an effective fertilizer and industrial chemical, it is important to handle it with care due to its potential hazards. Ammonium nitrate can be explosive under certain conditions, especially when mixed with combustible materials or subjected to high temperatures. Proper storage, handling, and transportation practices are essential to prevent accidents.
In summary, ammonium nitrate is a versatile compound with significant applications in agriculture as a nitrogenous fertilizer and in industry for its explosive properties. Its high nitrogen content and water solubility make it an effective nutrient source for plants, contributing to enhanced crop yields and agricultural productivity.



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