Dual-Nutrient Solubility & Immediate Availability
Fast-Acting: It is one of the most highly soluble fertilizers. It dissolves quickly in soil moisture, providing nitrate nitrogen and calcium in a form that plant roots can absorb immediately. There is no delay due to microbial conversion (unlike ammonium or urea-based fertilizers).
No Soil pH Increase: Unlike limestone-based calcium, the nitrate anion does not raise soil pH, making it safe for neutral or alkaline soils.
Corrects Calcium Deficiencies: Provides calcium in a soluble, plant-available form. Calcium is critical for cell wall strength, preventing disorders like:
Blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits.
Bitter pit in apples.
Tip burn in lettuce and cabbage.
Improves Soil Structure: Calcium helps flocculate clay soils, improving aeration and drainage.
Calcium nitrate has a relatively lower salt index. This means it's less likely to cause fertilizer "burn" to seedlings or delicate roots when applied at recommended rates.
Greenhouse & Hydroponics: A staple fertilizer due to its solubility and clean, chloride-free, low-sodium composition.
Salt-Sensitive Crops: Ideal for crops like strawberries, beans, and lettuce that are sensitive to chloride.
Fruit Quality: The calcium directly improves fruit firmness, storage quality, and shelf life.
Application use
Soil Test First: Confirm a need for both nitrogen and calcium. Check pH and base saturation levels for Ca, Mg, and K.
Targeted Applications: Ideal as a side-dress or fertigation fertilizer during periods of rapid growth or fruit development when calcium demand is high.
Crop-Specific Use:
Tomatoes/Peppers: Apply as a side-dressing at flowering and early fruit set to prevent blossom end rot.
Apple Orchards: Multiple foliar or ground applications to improve fruit quality.
Leafy Greens: Fertigate to promote rapid growth and prevent tip burn.