Calcium nitrate

Calcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter) and Kalksalpeter, is a soluble salt with the formula Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O. It is deliquescent, readily absorbing moisture from the air. It is used as a reagent, a pyrotechnic and a fertilizer. The fertilizer grade (15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca) is popular in the greenhouse and hydroponics trades; it has some ammonium nitrate and water incorporated in the molecular structure as 5Ca(NO₃)₂.NH₄NO₃.10H₂O.

Norgessalpeter was the first nitrogen fertilizer compound to be manufactured. Production began at Notodden, Norway in 1905. Most of the world's calcium nitrate is now made in Porsgrunn.

Nitrocalcite is a form of calcium nitrate which occurs in nature. It occasionally forms an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment, as in stables or caverns.

Related links

• Yara corporate history
• Calcium Nitrate - a Hydroculture Salt
• CalciNit (Kalksalpeter Gartnervare (Norwegian)