Calcium nitrate in agriculture
Calcium nitrate is an inorganic compound commonly found in the form of white crystals or powder. It has various industrial uses, one of which is as an important nitrogen fertilizer that plays a role in promoting plant growth and increasing yield in agriculture. This paper describes the nature, preparation, application method, mechanism of action and precautions of calcium nitrate, as well as the effects and prospects of calcium nitrate application on different crops.
Properties and production method of calcium nitrate
Calcium nitrate has the molecular formula Ca (NO3)2 and the molecular weight is 164.09. It has good solubility and dissolves rapidly in water. Its solution is acidic and can cause corrosion. Calcium nitrate is hygroscopic and will absorb water to form hydrates when exposed to moisture or air.
Calcium nitrate can be obtained by reacting calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) with nitric acid. The specific steps are: first dissolve calcium hydroxide in water to produce calcium hydroxide solution; then react nitric acid with calcium hydroxide solution, the reaction product is filtered and dried to obtain calcium nitrate.
Application method and action mechanism of calcium nitrate
Calcium nitrate can be applied to soil or plant foliage in granular or liquid form. The application should be based on the crop's growth stage, fertilizer requirement, soil type and climatic conditions, and other factors, to choose the appropriate dose, time and method. Generally speaking, the application rate of calcium nitrate is between 100-300 kg/ha, the time of application is in the period of crop growth or calcium deficiency, and the method of application can be spreading, irrigation or spraying.
The mechanism of action of calcium nitrate is to promote plant growth and development by providing nitrogen and calcium. Nitrogen is essential for plants to synthesize chlorophyll, proteins, nucleic acids and other important substances, and has a significant impact on photosynthesis, growth rate and yield. Calcium is an essential element for plants to build cell walls, increase disease resistance and improve quality, and plays an important role in plant division, elongation and stabilization.
Precautions and advantages of calcium nitrate
Some safety precautions need to be taken when using calcium nitrate. Calcium nitrate is irritating, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. During operation, appropriate protective gloves, glasses and mask should be worn. Also, keep away from sources of ignition and avoid contact with flammable materials, as calcium nitrate can increase the risk of fire. When used for fertilizer application, proper handling methods should be followed and environmental protection regulations should be observed.
Calcium nitrate has several advantages over other nitrogen fertilizers:
l Nitrogen in calcium nitrate exists in the nitrate form, which can be directly absorbed and utilized by plants without being transformed by microorganisms in the soil, so the effect is faster and more significant.
l Calcium in calcium nitrate can neutralize the acidity in the soil, improve the pH value of the soil, improve the soil structure, improve soil fertility, and is suitable for acidic soil.
l Calcium in calcium nitrate can prevent or correct calcium deficiencies in plants, such as fruit tip rot, leaf edge scorch, lettuce tip burn, etc., and improve the quality and resistance of plants.
l Calcium nitrate has a low salinity index and does not cause soil salinization, making it suitable for use in areas with poor irrigation water quality.
Application effects and prospects of calcium nitrate on different crops
The application effects and prospects of calcium nitrate on different crops are as follows:
l Fruit trees: Calcium nitrate can promote the growth and fruiting of fruit trees, improve the size, color, hardness and sugar content of fruits, and prolong the storage period and freshness of fruits. Calcium nitrate can also prevent or treat calcium deficiency of fruit trees, such as bitter pit disease of apple, brown spot disease of pear, citrus peel browning disease.
l Vegetables: Calcium nitrate can promote the growth and flowering of vegetables, improve the yield and quality of vegetables, increase the nutritional value and flavor of vegetables. Calcium nitrate can also prevent or treat calcium deficiency in vegetables, such as tomato tip rot disease, cucumber bitter melon disease, lettuce tip burn disease, etc. .
l Flowers: Calcium nitrate can promote the growth and flowering of flowers, and improve the ornamental effect and market value of flowers. Calcium nitrate can also prevent or treat calcium deficiency in flowers, such as browning petals of roses, wilting petal edges of chrysanthemums, and shriveling flowers of orchids, etc.
To sum up, calcium nitrate is a kind of efficient, safe and economic nitrogen fertilizer, which has a wide range of applications and good prospects in agriculture. With the development of agricultural production and the increase of demand, the research and use of calcium nitrate will be more in-depth and extensive, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture.