CAN Fertilizer ; Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.

CAN-Fertilizer

CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, also known as CAN fertilizers, can be considered nearly neutral in its effect on soil pH and can therefore be used in low pH soils without lowering it further. This also means it is best suited for use on perennial fruit crops (where lime incorporation into the soil is normally difficult to achieve).

CAN fertilizer is a nitrogen fertilizer containing equal parts fast-acting nitrate-nitrogen and long-acting ammonia-nitrogen. This guarantees a more continuous supply of nitrogen to the crop and therefore better efficiency of use, and also makes it suitable for non-seasonal applications in summer or winter.

Nitrogen is an essential requirement during plant growth. Applying nitrogen fertilizers at specific stages of plant development improves yield. Urea and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizers are common nitrogen fertilizers, but growers are often confused when choosing between the two.

Almost 50% of urea is nitrogen, while CAN fertilizer is about 28% nitrogen. Urea is cheaper than CAN fertilizers and with comparable yields. However, urea nitrogen is less stable and is easily lost to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the production of CAN fertilizers releases toxic substances into the atmosphere.

C.A.N Fertilizer Contain - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.


The term "calcium ammonium nitrate" applies to many different but closely related formulations. A variety of calcium ammonium nitrate is made by adding powdered limestone to ammonium nitrate; 

Another version, completely soluble in water, is a mixture of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate, which crystallizes as a doubly hydrated salt:

CAN Formula = 5Ca(NO3)2•NH4NO3•10H2O. 

Benefits of C.A.N Fertilizers - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.


Benefits of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer:

1. It is universal - it can be applied to all types of crops, regardless of the application period (before sowing, for cover).

2. Contains Calcium and Magnesium which improve the efficiency of nitrogen uptake by plant roots and reduce nitrogen loss, making fertilization more cost effective; It also protects groundwater from contamination by nitrogen compounds. It can prolong flowering, promote normal growth of roots, stems and leaves. Make sure the color of the fruit is bright and the sweetness of the fruit can be increased.

3. Can be considered nearly neutral in its effect on soil pH and therefore can be used in low pH soils without further decrease

4. For use on perennial fruit crops (where lime incorporation into the soil is difficult)

5. It is a Nitrogen Fertilizer that contains equal parts fast-acting nitrate nitrogen and long-lasting ammonia nitrogen.

6. Nitrogen volatilization from ammonium calcium nitrate is negligible, therefore timing of applications

CAN fertilizers ; Uses of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer.

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (C.A.N) Fertilizer is a high efficiency compound fertilizer that includes fast acting nitrogen and calcium. Its fertilizing effectiveness is fast, it has the particularity of quickly repairing nitrogen. It is widely used in greenhouses and large agricultural areas. It can improve the soil, increase the granular structure and make the soil non-caking. When planting industrial crops, flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc., this fertilizer can prolong flowering, stimulate normal root, stem and leaf growth; Ensure the bright color of the fruit, increase the sugar content of the fruit. It is a kind of high efficiency environmental protection green manure.

When to Apply C.A.N Fertilizer - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

CAN fertilizer works best when timing is critical; to know. When applied at the correct crop growth stage and at the recommended rate.

Here's why: In maize, the timing of urea application depends on understanding the key growth stages. As many crops reach drying time, we take a look at the main crop requirements.

C.A.N Fertilizer for Top Dressing Maize - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Nitrogen applied at the 3-4 leaf stage with a diffuser leaves nitrogen vulnerable to leaching when the crop does not need it.

Nitrogen and other nutrients are not taken up at a constant rate throughout the life of the crop. Therefore, the following table summarizes the important growth stages and the specific amount of nitrogen taken up by the crop at each stage.

Well-managed soils with plenty of organic correction are rich in micro and macronutrients essential for good plant growth and production, but even the best-managed garden can benefit from fertilization. The way to maximize these benefits is to know when to fertilize your plants. Applying CAN fertilizer at the wrong time can cause tender new shoots to sprout that can succumb to the cold. Therefore, a fertilizer application schedule for each type of plant is an effective tool. When to Fertilize Plants. Fertilizers contain the building blocks for leaf and fruit production, flower formation, and overall plant and root health. 

In poor soils, treatment is essential for good plant vigour. Fertilizer application can come from a soil drench, time-release granular formula, cuttings, or foliar spray. Whichever method works best for you, the time of year to fertilize is crucial information. Every plant is a little different, but there is a general rule for most plants.

CAN Fertilizer ; Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.

Urea vs. CAN Fertilizer - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Urea and CAN fertilizer are nitrogen fertilizers. Globally, urea is more widely available and used than CAN fertilizer.

Urea contains 46% nitrogen, while CAN fertilizer contains about 28% nitrogen. Thus, one kilogram of urea contains more nitrogen than one kilogram of C.A.N Fertilizer.

CAN fertilizer consists of equal amounts of fast-acting nitrate nitrogen and stable slow-release ammoniacal nitrogen. It also contains calcium and magnesium.

Urea Fertilizer vs C.A.N Fertilizer: Application and Effects

There are considerable differences in when and how urea and C.A.N fertilizer should be applied to soils and how plants use each type of fertilizer. Knowing these differences will help you choose the fertilizer that best suits your growing conditions and matches your efforts to grow your crops.

Applications in Different Soil Types - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

CAN fertilizers are applicable to all soils, but are especially beneficial for acidic soils as they have near neutral pH values. As a result, they do not acidify the soil.

On the other hand, an excess of urea can significantly change the pH value of the soil, which in turn can reduce crop productivity.

Nitrogen Availability for Plants - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Urea nitrogen tends to be lost through volatilization, where the ammonia from urea escapes into the atmosphere.

The effectiveness of urea decreases if applied to alkaline soils with high organic matter content. The loss of nitrogen by volatilization is greater in this type of soil. Therefore, more urea must be applied to obtain yields comparable to those obtained with CAN fertilizer.

Volatilization does not occur in most other nitrogen fertilizers such as CAN fertilizer. Additionally, CAN fertilizer contains calcium and magnesium which enhance nitrogen uptake by plant roots. Therefore, CAN fertilizer is more effective than urea in this regard.

CAN fertilizer; Application at Different Stages of Plant Development

Plants do not need nitrogen at all stages of their development.

For example, Maize is an excellent nitrogen supplier, but it needs nitrogen in the middle of the growing season, especially about a month before flowering.

The maize plant will not absorb any nitrogen fertilizer applied as a top dressing during the early stages of growth. The fertilizer will settle in the top layer of soil.

If you apply urea, the unused fertilizer will soon release ammonia into the atmosphere. As a result, valuable nitrogen will be lost and the fertilizer will lose its effectiveness. However, there isn't much nitrogen loss if you use CAN fertilizer even if the plant doesn't use the fertilizer right away.

CAN Fertilizer in Kenya -Timing of Application

Plants cannot utilize urea immediately after soil application. It must break down into ammonia nitrogen before the plants can absorb the benefits of the fertilizer. Breakdown usually takes a week from the day of application.

During this time, most of the nitrogen in urea can volatilize if the soil is alkaline or if conditions are dry.

To reap the benefits of urea, you need to coordinate its application with planting and planting times. Soil should be watered well before urea application or applied a few days before heavy rains are expected.

On the other hand, CAN fertilizer can be applied at any time. Plants absorb it almost immediately after use.

Yield Performance - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Based on experience with wheat, urea and CAN fertilizers give comparable yields. Another experiment revealed that fertilizers make no noticeable difference to grass yields in a temperate climate. So it's safe to say that performance is not a deciding factor in choosing between the two.

Urea Fertilizer vs CAN fertilizers: Application Cost

As mentioned, urea has a high nitrogen concentration (46%) compared to CAN fertilizer (28%). However, volatilization reduces urea usage to about 30%.

So you need to use more urea and apply it more often.

Urea costs less than CAN fertilizer and has comparable yield performance. However, this cost advantage is only possible if you apply the urea correctly and ensure that there is no nitrogen loss.

Urea Fertilizer vs CAN fertilizers: Environmental Impact

With growing environmental awareness, more and more people are looking at manufacturing practices before purchasing products. They want to know the carbon footprint of what they consume.

The environmental impact of urea and CAN fertilizers is also being analyzed.

CAN Fertilizers; Release of Nitrous Oxide into the Atmosphere.

Nitrogen fertilizers release nitrous oxide (N2O) which contributes to global warming in the atmosphere. Increased N2O in the atmosphere contributes to greenhouse gas pollution and ozone depletion.

CAN fertilizers emit the greatest amount of N2O into the atmosphere of all nitrogen fertilizers? Therefore, urea is more environmentally friendly than CAN fertilizer.

CAN fertilizers; Leaching Into Nearby Bodies Of Water

Urea comes with its own set of environmental concerns. It is very mobile on the ground and tends to bump into nearby bodies of water. The increasing and indiscriminate use of urea is one of the main sources of water pollution.

CAN fertilizer can be quickly absorbed by plants. Therefore, hazardous materials will not seep into nearby water bodies and contaminate them.

CAN fertilizers; Release of Nitrogen Into The Environment

Nitrogen is good for plants but bad for the environment.

Countries with ammonia emission reduction targets may need to reconsider their use of urea. In addition, authorities must educate the farming community on the correct way to apply urea so that nitrogen is not lost.

Adverse environmental effects can be significantly reduced by the correct application of urea. This involves improving injection methods, Weather Conditions, Dosage, Soil pH and Irrigation frequency.

Conclusion - CAN Fertilizer in Kenya.

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (C.A.N) Fertilizer is a new calcareous and nitrogen fertilizer with characteristics of high efficiency and rapid nitrogen replenishment, which is applied in greenhouse and large farmland. CAN fertilizer improves the soil and granulates the soil making it anti-caking. When CAN fertilizer used on fruits, vegetables, flowers and industrial crops, it prolongs flowering, promotes normal growth of roots, stems and leaves, ensures brightly colored fruits and increases the carbohydrate content of fruits. It is a high performance environment.

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