Chemical Property: Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a compound with the chemical formula Ca(NO3)2�·NH4NO3�·10H2O. It is a complex fertilizer that contains calcium, ammonium, and nitrate ions. The formula indicates the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+), ammonium ions (NH4+), nitrate ions (NO3^-), and water molecules (H2O) in the crystal structure. CAN is typically found as white granules or prills and is water-soluble. Application in Fertilizer: Calcium Ammonium Nitrate is widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer and has several applications: Nitrogen Source: CAN is a nitrogen fertilizer that provides a balanced supply of both ammonium and nitrate nitrogen. The ammonium component releases nitrogen gradually, while the nitrate component is more quickly available for plant uptake. Calcium Supply: CAN also supplies calcium, an essential secondary nutrient for plants. Calcium is important for cell wall structure, root development, and overall plant growth. Balanced Nutrition: The combination of nitrogen and calcium in CAN provides balanced nutrition for plants, supporting their growth, yield, and overall health. Root Development: Calcium supports healthy root development, which in turn improves nutrient and water uptake by plants. Nitrate-Nitrogen Uptake: The nitrate component in CAN helps promote efficient nitrogen uptake by plants, particularly during periods of active growth. Acidic Soil Amendment: CAN's ammonium content can contribute to lowering soil pH, making it useful for crops that prefer slightly acidic soil conditions. Fruit and Vegetable Production: CAN is often used for crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals that require a balanced nutrient profile to achieve optimum growth and quality. Field and Horticultural Crops: CAN is suitable for both field crops (such as grains and oilseeds) and horticultural crops (such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers). Environmental Considerations: The balanced nitrogen release in CAN can help mitigate nitrogen loss through leaching and volatilization compared to some other nitrogen fertilizers. Fertilizer Blends: CAN can be blended with other fertilizers to create custom formulations that suit specific crop and soil nutrient requirements. It's important to use Calcium Ammonium Nitrate according to recommended guidelines to avoid overuse and potential nutrient imbalances. Soil testing and understanding specific crop needs can help determine appropriate application rates for optimal results while minimizing environmental impacts.