Laboratory studies on dissolution of nitrogen fertilizers by humidity and precipitation

Abstract Aiming 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 condition...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Christian Sigtryggsson, Karin Hamnér, Holger Kirchmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2020-01-01
Series:Agricultural & Environmental Letters
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.20016
Description
Summary:Abstract Aiming 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.
ISSN:2471-9625