Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium nitrate (AN) is used as a fertiliser where:
- A quick response is required to nitrogen, e.f. short season vegetable crops, or
- Where irrigation is not available to wash the fertiliser into the soil and volatilization losses to the atmosphere from surface-applied nitrogen fertilisers may be excessive.
Depending on their composition, ammonium nitrate fertilisers may be classified as being a Dangerous Good and/or as Security Sensitive. Straight ammonium nitrate fertilisers are classified as being a Class 5.1 Oxidizing Agent.
In Australia, fertilisers containing more than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate are classified as Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN). These products can only be supplied to those licensed to transport and use them.
Cal-Am
Cal-Am is the name Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has given to Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), and imported fertiliser containing 80% ammonium nitrate and 20% calcium carbonate.
Cal-Am is not classifed as a Dangerous Good, but it is Security Sensitive. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers no longer markets straight ammonium nitrate fertilisers, e.g. Nitram.
Cal-Gran Blends
Cal-Gran Blends have been formulated to contain no more than 55% Cal-Am, the equivalent of 45% ammonium nitrate, so that they are not classified as Security Sensitive. Customers do not need a licence to purchase and use Cal-Gran Blends. The nitrogen content of these products is boosted by the addition of Gran-am (granulated ammonium sulfate) to the blend.
Guidance Notes - click here to dowload a copy
The transport, storage and use of ammonium nitrate, and other nitrate fertilisers, is discussed in these Guidance Notes. These Notes have been prepared for use by Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Dealers and Agents, but are made available here for reference by others. They summarise general knowledge at the time of their preparation. Up to date and more detailed information should be sought from the relevant authorities.
Product Information
A short summary on the use of Cal-Am is provided in this Fact Sheet. Clik here to dowload a copy.
More detailed information on the use of ammonium nitrate fertilisers is provided in this Agritopic.
