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 conditions. All compounds were highly hygroscopic, dissolving within 24 h at 90-99% relative humidity and 25 degrees 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.

Published in

Agricultural & Environmental Letters
2020, volume: 5, number: 1, article number: e20016
Publisher: WILEY

SLU Authors

• Sigtryggsson, Christian

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hamnér, Karin

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kirchmann, Holger

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science
Soil Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.20016

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/110656