ANS:B - Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)

Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) is a popular nitrogenous fertilizer that contains both ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Here's an explanation of its composition and characteristics:

1. Composition: CAN is composed of two main components:
   • Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3): This compound is a water-soluble salt containing nitrogen in the ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) forms. It provides readily available nitrogen for plants.
   • Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): This is a source of calcium, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Calcium plays important roles in cell wall formation, root development, and overall plant structure.
2. Ratio: CAN typically contains nitrogen in the range of 20-28% by weight and calcium in the range of 6-9% by weight. The ratio of nitrogen to calcium varies depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer.
3. Properties:
   • Water solubility: CAN is highly soluble in water, which allows for easy application and absorption by plant roots.
   • pH: CAN has a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, which can help to neutralize acidic soils and improve soil fertility.
   • Granular form: CAN is often available in granular form, making it convenient for application in agricultural fields.
4. Benefits:
   • Balanced nutrient supply: CAN provides both nitrogen and calcium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth and development.
   • Nutrient availability: The ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen in CAN provide both quick-release and sustained-release nitrogen, ensuring continuous nutrient availability to plants over time.
   • Crop compatibility: CAN is suitable for a wide range of crops, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
5. Applications:
   • CAN is commonly used as a nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture to promote healthy plant growth and increase crop yields.
   • It is often applied as a basal fertilizer during soil preparation or as a top-dressing during the growing season.
   • CAN can be applied alone or in combination with other fertilizers, depending on the nutrient requirements of the specific crop and soil conditions.

Overall, Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) is a versatile and effective fertilizer that provides balanced nutrition to plants, promoting vigorous growth and improving crop quality and yield. Its combination of nitrogen and calcium makes it a valuable tool for enhancing soil fertility and optimizing agricultural productivity.