Open AccessLaboratory studies on dissolution of nitrogen fertilizers by humidity and precipitation
Author(s) -
Sigtryggsson Christian,
Hamnér Karin,
Kirchmann Holger
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
agricultural and environmental letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.681
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2471-9625
DOI - 10.1002/ael2.20016
Subject(s) - dissolution , precipitation , ammonium nitrate , fertilizer , humidity , nitrate , relative humidity , nitrogen , calcium nitrate , environmental chemistry , ammonium , chemistry , environmental science , calcium , meteorology , geography , organic chemistry
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.