I. What Is Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN)?

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a compound fertilizer containing Nitrogen (N) + Calcium (Ca), widely used in global agricultural production—especially for crops requiring higher yields, enhanced stress resistance, and improved quality.

CAN consists of the following components:

• Nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻) → Rapidly absorbed by plants
• Ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺) → Slow-release and sustained supply
• Water-soluble calcium (Ca²⁺) → Strengthens plant cell walls, enhances disease resistance, and improves produce quality

Thus, CAN = Fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer + Functional calcium fertilizer

This makes it the world’s most widely used and consistently effective nitrogen-calcium fertilizer.

II. Core Advantages of CAN (Why Is It the Global Farmer’s First Choice?)

1. Simultaneous Supply of Nitrogen and Calcium (High-Efficiency Nutrient Combination)

CAN provides plants with:

• Nitrate nitrogen: Rapid uptake and immediate effect
• Ammonium nitrogen: Stable and sustained release
• Calcium: Strengthens cell walls, improves quality, and reduces fruit cracking

The N + Ca combination significantly boosts crop stress tolerance and yield.

2. Soil Structure Improvement and Reduced Acidification

Farms using urea or ammonium sulfate often face issues such as:

• Soil compaction
• Increased acidification
• Poor root development

The calcium in CAN neutralizes soil acidity, improves structure, and enhances aeration.

3. Significant Reduction in Diseases and Fruit Cracking

CAN demonstrates notable improvement against the following disorders:

• Tomato blossom-end rot
• Chili pepper fruit cracking
• Potato black heart
• Fruit soft rot
• Thin-skinned, easily cracked grapes

This is because calcium strengthens plant cell wall structure.

4. 100% Water-Soluble – Ideal for Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Compared to conventional granular nitrogen fertilizers:

✔ No impurities

✔ Won’t clog drip irrigation systems

✔ Rapid dissolution

✔ Compatible with most water-soluble fertilizers

It is the ideal choice for modern agriculture (drip/sprinkler irrigation, greenhouse cultivation).

III. Typical CAN Composition (Hansol Chemical Export Specification)

Hansol Chemical’s standard export specification for CAN is as follows (suitable for product pages):

IV. Target Crops for CAN Application (Top 6 Globally Demanded Crops)

1. Tomato

• Promotes root development
• Reduces blossom-end rot
• Enhances fruit firmness and storability during transport

2. Chili Pepper

• Prevents fruit cracking
• Ensures uniform fruit set
• Boosts yield and stability

3. Potato

• Ensures uniform tuber bulking
• Reduces black heart and hollow heart

4. Grape

• Increases skin firmness
• Extends shelf life
• Promotes sugar accumulation

5. Maize (Corn)

• Enables rapid nitrogen uptake
• Improves lodging resistance

6. Fruits & Vegetables (General Use)

• Prevents fruit cracking
• Enhances quality
• Strengthens stress tolerance

V. CAN Application Methods (Drip Irrigation, Flood Irrigation, Broadcast Spreading)

1. Drip Irrigation (Recommended)

• Dosage: 5–10 kg per acre per application
• Suitable for tomatoes, grapes, chili peppers, blueberries, etc.

2. Flood Irrigation (Suitable for Conventional Fields)

• Dosage per application: 10–15 kg per acre

3. Broadcast Spreading (For Field Crops)

• Applicable to corn, wheat, and potatoes—apply and then irrigate
• Can be used as both basal and top-dressing fertilizer

VI. CAN vs. Other Nitrogen Fertilizers (Urea, Ammonium Nitrate)

For high-value crops, export-oriented produce, and greenhouse farming, CAN outperforms both urea and ammonium nitrate.

VII. Global CAN Market Standards (Key Procurement Criteria by Region)

Europe

• High emphasis on granule uniformity
• Low dust, excellent flowability

Southeast Asia

• Strong focus on 100% water solubility
• Emphasis on drip irrigation compatibility

Africa

• Priority on cost competitiveness and durable packaging

Middle East

• High demand for heat stability and blend compatibility

Hansol Chemical’s export-grade CAN meets all the above regional standards.

VIII. Packaging and Shipping (Compliance Highlights)

• Available in 25kg, 50kg, 500kg, and 1,000kg bags
• OEM private labeling supported
• Suitable for ocean freight export
• SGS pre-shipment inspection available
• Hygroscopic—requires moisture-proof storage

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can CAN be mixed with phosphorus-containing fertilizers?

Yes, it is compatible with most water-soluble fertilizers, but avoid large-scale mixing with calcium dihydrogen phosphate or hard water components.

Q2: Does CAN cause soil compaction?

No—it actually improves the structure of acidified soils.

Q3: Are there crops that should avoid CAN?

Very few chloride-sensitive crops (e.g., blueberries) may prefer pure calcium sources—but since CAN is chloride-free, it can be safely used on all crops.