Nutrient Composition and Dual Nitrate-Calcium Benefits
Under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), Calcium Nitrate is formulated as white hygroscopic prills or crystalline granules that dissolve completely in water.
Nitrate nitrogen is immediately available for root uptake without requiring preliminary bacterial conversion, providing instant vegetative vigor even in cold or waterlogged soils.
Supplying water-soluble calcium alongside nitrate creates a synergistic uptake effect, as nitrate anions enhance calcium cation absorption through root membranes.
- Total Nitrogen (15.5%): Dominated by fast-acting nitrate nitrogen (14.5% NO3-N) for immediate cellular utilization
- Water-soluble Calcium (18.8% Ca): Strengthens cellular middle lamella, preventing physiological fruit disorders
- 100% water solubility: Dissolves cleanly without grit, making it ideal for drip fertigation and foliar spray
Target Crops and Physiological Disorder Prevention
Calcium Nitrate is widely applied across tomatoes, chilies, potatoes, apples, grapes, and commercial vegetables.
It eliminates localized fruit calcium deficits that lead to blossom end rot, bitter pit, and premature fruit softening.
In potato cultivation, applying calcium nitrate enhances tuber peel firmness, reduces hollow heart, and extends cold storage longevity.
- Tomatoes & chilies: Completely prevents blossom end rot and strengthens fruit skin against cracking
- Apples & pears: Eliminates bitter pit and cork spot, improving fruit firmness and cold storage retention
- Potatoes & onions: Improves tuber peel strength, reducing storage rotting and weight loss
Drip Fertigation, Tank Compatibility, and Storage
Calcium Nitrate must be dissolved in a separate stock fertilizer tank (Tank A) from concentrated phosphates and sulfates (Tank B) to prevent insoluble calcium precipitation.
Because Calcium Nitrate is hygroscopic and absorbs ambient moisture, reseal opened bags tightly and store in dry godowns.
- Two-tank system: Keep Calcium Nitrate separate from MAP (12-61-0) or sulfate fertilizers in concentrated stock tanks
- Foliar concentration: Apply at low recommended foliar concentrations during fruit sizing and flower development
- Airtight storage: Store bags in dry, covered godowns protected from ambient moisture absorption
Official source
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Department of Fertilizers - IFMS Portal ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the nutrient composition of Calcium Nitrate fertilizer?
Calcium Nitrate supplies 15.5 percent total nitrogen (predominantly fast-acting nitrate) and 18.8 percent water-soluble calcium.
Why must Calcium Nitrate be kept in a separate fertigation tank from phosphate fertilizers?
Mixing concentrated calcium with concentrated phosphate causes insoluble calcium phosphate to precipitate, clogging drip emitters and filters.
How does Calcium Nitrate prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes?
It provides readily absorbable water-soluble calcium that strengthens expanding fruit cell walls, preventing tissue collapse and black blossom end lesions.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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