Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate (CNT) - A Versatile Solution for Precision Agriculture and Industrial Manufacturing
- Antonia Z
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate (CNT), also known as Calcium Salt, is a high-purity, fully water-soluble inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O. It typically appears as white crystals or granules and is highly hygroscopic. CNT provides plants with two essential nutrients—nitrate nitrogen and soluble calcium—and has a wide range of applications in both agriculture and industry.
CAS Number: 13477-34-4
Molecular Weight: 236.15 g/mol
Appearance: White to transparent crystalline, highly hygroscopic
Solubility: Fully soluble in water, forms neutral to slightly acidic solutions
pH (1% solution): Approximately 5.5–6.5
Density: ~1.82 g/cm³
🏭 Production Process
1. Primary Raw Materials
Raw Material | Description |
Limestone (CaCO₃) or slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) | Provides calcium ions (Ca²⁺) |
Concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃) | Provides nitrate ions (NO₃⁻), reacts to form calcium nitrate |
Water | Regulates reaction concentration, crystallization temperature, and hydration state |
2. Chemical Reactions
Basic reaction equations:
Using limestone (calcium carbonate): CaCO₃ + 2HNO₃ → Ca(NO₃)₂ (solution) + CO₂↑ + H₂O
Using slaked lime (calcium hydroxide):
Ca(OH)₂ + 2HNO₃ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O
The calcium nitrate solution must then be concentrated and cooled to crystallize into tetrahydrate form.
3. Production Flow Chart
Feeding and reaction → Impurity removal → Concentration → Cooling and crystallization → Centrifugal dehydration → Screening and packaging
4. Quality Control Essentials
Keep reaction temperature below 60°C to prevent byproduct formation
Crystallization temperature controlled at 15–25°C
Final moisture content maintained at 12–18% to prevent caking
Anti-caking agents or coating treatments may be used for improved stability
🌿 Agricultural Applications (Primary Market)
CNT is a premium dual-nutrient fertilizer, widely used in fruit and vegetable cultivation, protected agriculture, and water-soluble fertilizer systems.
1. Nutritional Functions
Element | Role |
Nitrate Nitrogen (NO₃⁻) | Promotes rapid plant growth and photosynthesis |
Calcium (Ca²⁺) | Builds cell walls, improves fruit firmness, and enhances disease resistance; prevents blossom-end rot and cracking |
2. Suitable Crops
Fruit Trees: Grapes, citrus, apples, bananas
Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, celery, cabbage
Root Crops: Potatoes, carrots
Field Crops: Corn, wheat, rapeseed
3. Ideal for Water-Soluble Fertilizer / Fertigation Systems
Compatible with NPK water-soluble fertilizers for balanced nutrition
Well-suited for greenhouse and hydroponic use
Especially effective during potassium-heavy fruit development stages
4. Soil Benefits
Unlike alkaline calcium sources (e.g., calcium carbonate), CNT does not significantly raise soil pH
Applicable in acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils
5. Application Methods
Method | Recommended Rate | Application Timing | Notes |
Fertigation | 5–10 kg/mu | Pre-flowering, fruiting | Rapid uptake, fast response |
Drip Irrigation | 2–5 kg/mu | Full growing period | No clogging, compatible with N & K |
Foliar Spray | 0.3–0.5% solution | Early calcium deficiency | Fast correction, ideal for fruits/vegetables |
Basal/Trench | 10–20 kg/mu | Pre-sowing or transplant | Supplies calcium and nitrogen to roots |
🏭 Industrial Applications
While agriculture remains its main application, CNT’s excellent solubility, neutral pH, high calcium activity, and chlorine-free profile make it a key material in several industrial sectors:
1. 🧱 Construction: Concrete Accelerator & Antifreeze Agent
Application Scenarios:
Cold-weather concrete construction
Underground, bridge, and road projects
Precast concrete production lines
Functions:
Provides Ca²⁺ to promote cement hydration
Speeds up initial setting time and early strength development
Prevents strength loss in cold conditions
Acts as a chloride-free antifreeze agent, reducing risk of freezing cracks
Key Advantages:
Comparison Item | Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate | Traditional Chloride-Based Additives |
Safety | Chloride-free, non-corrosive | Contains chloride, may corrode steel |
Environmental Compliance | Meets green building standards, export-friendly | Restricted by new environmental policies |
Compatibility | Works well with admixtures | May react adversely with some admixtures |
CNT is also added in small amounts to HPC (High-Performance Concrete) and precast systems to enhance hydration and reduce early cracking.
2. 🌊 Environmental Protection: Denitrification / C/N Balancer
Applications:
Biological denitrification in municipal wastewater
Nitrogen-rich industrial effluents (e.g., dyeing, pharmaceuticals)
High-load denitrification systems (SBR, MBR, filters)
Mechanism:
Supplies NO₃⁻ as electron acceptor for denitrifying microbes
Ca²⁺ enhances microbial activity and sludge structure
Acts as external C/N balancer when carbon is insufficient
Engineering Benefits:
Reduces NH₄⁺-N and total nitrogen emissions
Stabilizes microbial systems
Can be combined with acetate, glucose, or methanol
Compared with urea or ammonium nitrate, CNT avoids ammonia volatilization and helps with sludge flocculation and filtration.
3. ⛽ Oilfield Drilling: Calcium Modifier / Corrosion Inhibitor
Applications:
Deep wells and horizontal drilling
High-mineral-content drilling mud systems
Salt strata where wellbore stability is critical
Functions:
Regulates Ca²⁺ levels in water-based mud
Stabilizes drilling fluid properties, prevents collapse
Acts as corrosion inhibitor and ionic strength buffer
Advantages:
Non-chloride, safe for metal tools and pipes
Rapidly soluble, easy to dose
Compatible with phosphate/zinc suppressants
4. ⚗️ Chemical and Laboratory: Calcium Precursor / Analytical Reagent
Applications:
Synthesis of calcium salts (e.g., calcium ammonium nitrate, CaEDTA)
Standard solutions for Ca²⁺ in analysis
Calcium doping for catalysts, glass, and luminescent materials
Features:
High solubility, low impurity
Chlorine-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-free
Excellent storage stability, ideal for long-term use
Summary Table: Industrial Use Comparison
Sector | Key Use | Typical Benefits |
Construction | Accelerator, antifreeze agent | Chloride-free, safe, effective in cold |
Environmental | Denitrification, C/N ratio control | Nitrogen removal, sludge improvement |
Oil Drilling | Ca²⁺ regulator, corrosion inhibitor | Stabilizes mud, protects equipment |
Chemical/Lab | Reagent, precursor for Ca salts | High-purity, easy preparation |
Biomaterials | Cross-linking agent for alginates/chitosan | Edible, safe for food contact materials |
🧤 Application in Rubber Glove Manufacturing
📌 Scenario: Coagulant in Latex Glove Production
In the manufacturing of natural latex or nitrile rubber gloves, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate is used as a coagulant for pre-treatment of glove formers. This step is critical for ensuring successful film formation.
🔬 Working Mechanism
1. Basic Process Flow (for latex gloves):
Cleaned glove mold → Dip in coagulant solution (Ca(NO₃)₂) → Dry → Dip in latex → Film formation → Vulcanization → Rinse → Dry → Demolding
2. Functional Mechanisms:
Film Induction: Forms a calcium nitrate layer on the mold surface
Ion Exchange: Ca²⁺ interacts with amino or fatty acid groups in latex to induce rapid coagulation
Surface Control: Promotes even, dense, and low-bubble latex film formation
Efficiency Boost: Accelerates coagulation, minimizes defects such as uneven coating or sagging
✅ Why Use Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate?
Advantage | Description |
✅ Water-soluble | Easy to prepare and apply as a solution |
✅ Crystal purity | Low impurity, reduces spotting, improves surface finish |
✅ Neutral pH | Gentle on molds, non-corrosive |
✅ Adjustable | Solution concentration easily tuned (typical: 8–15%) |
🧪 Usage Notes
Precise concentration is critical—overuse may cause thick or rough films
Drying stage is crucial—wet molds impair adhesion
Alcohol or surfactants may be added to improve wetting (forming a “coagulant system”)
Eco-Friendly Trend: Preferred over CaCl₂ due to lower corrosion and environmental impact
🏭 Summary: Glove Industry Use
Item | Details |
Industry | Rubber product manufacturing (latex, nitrile gloves, condoms) |
Primary Role | Coagulant to facilitate film formation |
Application | Dip solution for glove molds (8–15% concentration) |
Key Benefits | Safer than CaCl₂, more uniform film, environmentally friendly |
📊 CNT vs CAN – Quick Comparison Table
Category | Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate (CNT) | Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) |
Composition | Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O | Ca(NO₃)₂ + NH₄NO₃ |
Nitrogen Type | All nitrate nitrogen | Mixed nitrate and ammonium nitrogen |
Calcium Content | High (18–19%) | Medium (8–10%) |
Solubility | Fully soluble, ideal for fertigation | Partially soluble, mostly used as basal fertilizer |
Target Use | Precision farming, high-value crops | Broadacre crops, nitrogen supplementation |
Market Position | Premium nutritional input | Bulk fertilizer with moderate calcium |
Summary:
CNT is ideal for high-value crops, drip irrigation, and calcium correction
CAN is better suited for field crops and cost-effective nitrogen supply
Choose CNT for high bioavailability of calcium and full solubility
Choose CAN when nitrogen is the main requirement and budget is key
🌍 I. Global Market Overview
1. Market Size and Capacity
The global consumption of calcium nitrate products is estimated to exceed 5 million tons annually (in equivalent anhydrous Ca(NO₃)₂), of which Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate (CNT) accounts for approximately 30%–40%, with an annual output exceeding 1.5 million tons.
China, Europe, India, Vietnam, and Brazil are the primary consumption regions.
Main production countries include China, Norway, Russia, and Israel, with leading companies such as Yara, Haifa, and Yunnan Yunwei.
2. Estimated End-Use Distribution:
Application Sector | Estimated Share |
Agricultural Fertilizer | 70–75% |
Rubber Glove Manufacturing | 10–15% |
Construction/Additives | 5% |
Water Treatment & Environmental | 5–8% |
Fine Chemicals & Electronics | 2–5% |
📈 II. Key Drivers of CNT Market Growth
✅ 1. Rise of Precision and Protected Agriculture
The rapid adoption of fertigation, drip irrigation, and micro-sprinkling systems increases demand for fast-acting, soluble calcium sources.
High-value crops such as fruits and vegetables require calcium sources with high solubility and uptake efficiency.
CNT is particularly well-suited to greenhouse systems and the premium agricultural input market in regions like China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
✅ 2. Continued Demand for Natural Latex Gloves
Since COVID-19, demand for medical-grade rubber gloves remains high.
Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are stable exporters and long-term users of CNT as a coagulant.
The rapid rise of glove manufacturing in China has further expanded the global market for domestically produced CNT.
✅ 3. Supportive Policies for Green Construction
Increasing global emphasis on low-chloride, non-corrosive, high-performance admixtures.
CNT, as a chloride-free calcium source, is preferred in early-strength formulations.
Growth in precast concrete for infrastructure (e.g., subway segments, bridge panels) drives steady demand.
✅ 4. Emerging Applications in Fine Chemicals and Environmental Technologies
CNT is increasingly recognized as a replacement raw material in electronics, ceramics, and denitrification systems.
As chloride-based calcium salts face restrictions in high-end sectors, chloride-free, highly soluble, and high-purity CNT is expected to gradually replace calcium carbonate or calcium chloride.
🔮 III. Future Trends and Market Opportunities
1. Evolving Quality Standards and Customization
Market demands are shifting from industrial grade toward agriculture-specific and even high-purity specialty grades.
Packaging, granule flowability, and dissolution performance are key differentiators in customized exports.
REACH registration, SGS testing, and other certifications will become critical entry points for global brand competition.
2. Market Shift: From Broadacre to Precision Agriculture
While field crops typically use low-cost nitrogen fertilizers (e.g., urea, ammonium nitrate), premium farms (grapes, citrus, organic producers) favor multi-functional inputs like CNT.
CNT is emerging as a core base material in blended water-soluble fertilizers enriched with potassium, boron, and zinc.
3. Global Price Dynamics Under Chinese Supply Dominance
China is the world’s largest producer, accounting for 35%–40% of global capacity, exporting to Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Shipping costs, tariff changes, and environmental regulations may impact delivery schedules and costs.
There is increasing potential for localized manufacturing in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, intensifying regional competition.
4. ESG and Carbon Footprint Considerations
High-end markets like the EU are pushing fertilizer producers to assess carbon footprints and adopt greener production pathways.
Nitrate-based fertilizers face concerns over leaching and over-fertilization.
Suppliers must promote precision fertilization, drip irrigation, and balanced nutrient delivery to maintain market access and credibility.
📊 IV. Market Forecast (Indicative)
Year | Global CNT Market Size (Million Tons) | Estimated Growth Rate |
2023 | 1.45 | – |
2024 | 1.55 | +6.9% |
2025 | 1.68 | +8.3% |
✅ Summary: Five Key Themes Driving CNT’s Future
Precision Agriculture – Synergistic calcium and nitrate supply for high-efficiency fertilization
Industrial Substitution – Replacing chloride-based calcium in rubber, construction, and ceramics
Green Transition – Chloride-free, water-soluble, and carbon footprint-conscious solutions
Regional Expansion – Opportunities in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa
Branded & Standardized Export – Certification and product differentiation as new market barriers
✍️ Conclusion
Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate is a stable, clearly functional, and highly adaptable water-soluble calcium-nitrogen fertilizer that is becoming a cornerstone raw material in modern agriculture and precision industry. Its integration into fertigation systems, rubber glove manufacturing, and environmental remediation technologies demonstrates both technical and commercial viability.
As global green development accelerates and agriculture modernizes, the market for CNT will continue expanding—especially in the production of premium fruits and vegetables and in high-value industrial applications where solubility, purity, and safety are essential.
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