Calcium Ammonium Nitrate vs. Ammonium Nitrate — What's the Difference?

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, often abbreviated as CAN, is a fertilizer that is widely used to provide nitrogen to plants. It contains both calcium and ammonium ions in its structure, thereby supplementing soil with these vital nutrients. CAN is often favored for its dual-nutrient provision, which can aid in bolstering plant cell structure and overall growth. Ammonium Nitrate, denoted as AN, is another fertilizer, but it lacks the calcium component present in CAN. It is highly soluble and thus is quickly available to plants, but it doesn’t contribute to the calcium levels in the soil.

Though CAN provides the dual benefit of supplying nitrogen and calcium, it generally has a lower nitrogen content than AN. This dual utility can be especially beneficial in calcium-deficient soils where the nutrient helps in the optimal development of plant cells and roots. In contrast, AN, with a higher nitrogen concentration, may provide a more immediate and intense boost of this nutrient to crops, potentially fostering rapid vegetative growth.

When considering storage and stability, CAN tends to be a safer choice compared to AN. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate is not known for being a significant explosion risk, due to the presence of calcium which dampens its explosive properties. Conversely, Ammonium Nitrate, under certain conditions, can be very dangerous and has been associated with several industrial explosions due to its potential instability under specific circumstances.

Utilization of CAN is often considered to be environmentally friendlier due to the lower risk of nitrogen leaching. The calcium component aids in reducing the potential leaching of nitrogen into water bodies, which can minimize environmental impacts. Ammonium Nitrate, however, has been associated with higher risks of nitrogen leaching, potentially leading to issues like eutrophication in adjacent water bodies.

Both CAN and AN are predominantly used as fertilizers but their application needs to be managed judiciously. While CAN provides a balanced nutrient profile, especially in calcium-poor soils, and is generally safer to store, AN can deliver a rapid nitrogen boost but comes with environmental and safety considerations that need to be managed carefully.