ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN, nitrochalk) is a standard solid fertilizer, used widely as a versatile source of nitrogen [1]. Granulated ammonium nitrate, usually containing 33.5 wt % N, is also often utilized. The principal starting materials for the production of CAN are ammonium nitrate (AN) and calcium carbonate (CaC03 , lime). CAN and AN both provide nitrogen to the soil in the form of nitrate and ammonium ions and, as such, show both fast-and slow-acting properties [1]. AN can be synthesized directly from nitric acid and ammonia [2] but can also be produced in the course of the nitrophosphate process [3]. Lime is also used as a solid fertilizer. It serves to reduce soil acidity and supplies calcium as a plant nutrient. Limestone and dolomite are most often used as naturally occurring sources of lime.
