Abstract
AbstractAiming at improving fertilizer management by assessing fertilizer dissolution, we compared the hygroscopicity of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), ammonium nitrate (NS 27‐4), and nitrate compounds (laboratory grade). Dissolution of N fertilizers was also studied under simulated rain conditions. All compounds were highly hygroscopic, dissolving within 24 h at 90–99% relative humidity and 25 °C. Addition of 2 mm rain to fertilizer granules (3–4.5 mm diam.) was sufficient to dissolve 50% of the compounds. Dissolution rates by humidity or rain were not the limiting step for plant availability.
Highlights
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are nowadays applied with great precision to meet crop demand, using sensor techniques combined with split application (Hooper, Zhou, Coventry, & McDonald, 2015)
The hygroscopicity values recorded were higher than those reported for ammonium nitrate and fertilizer salts (Harris, 1970; Mooney, 1924)
Comparison of rates of dissolution showed that within 5 h, all compounds tested except the calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer had dissolved completely
Summary
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are nowadays applied with great precision to meet crop demand, using sensor techniques combined with split application (Hooper, Zhou, Coventry, & McDonald, 2015). Soluble fertilizers applied in split doses require soil water, rainfall, or sufficient air moisture to dissolve and become plant available. Studies of the dissolution kinetics of these compounds are scarce. Both are hygroscopic, absorbing water vapor from ambient air, which results in caking and dissolution, a process termed deliquescence. Hygroscopicity and deliquescence act simultaneously, being dependent on the relative humidity of ambient air. Our specific objectives were (a) to measure the maximum potential of hygroscopicity and dissolution of Ca(NO3) and NH4NO3, and of comparable chemical compounds at high relative humidity, and (b) to quantify the dissolution rates of the two fertilizers under precipitation by simulated rainfall
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
