Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a highly effective and widely used top-dressing fertilizer, ideal for most crops except rice. This fertilizer contains 26% nitrogen, with half in ammonium (NH₄) form and the other half as nitrate (NO₃). During critical growth stages, nitrate nitrogen is rapidly absorbed by plant roots, ensuring healthy development and fruiting. Ammonium nitrogen, depending on soil conditions, is gradually converted into nitrate by soil bacteria, minimizing the risk of nitrogen deficiency.

For most crops, including cereals, about 75% of nitrogen uptake during growth is in the nitrate form, making CAN an essential fertilizer for optimal yield.

Applications of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN):

1. Surface Fertilization for Crops:
   CAN is used as a top-dressing fertilizer, especially for cereal crops like wheat and barley. It can be applied in the early stages of growth or before irrigation to efficiently supply the nitrogen required by plants.

2. Enhancing Nitrogen Absorption by Plants:
   With nitrogen available in both ammonium and nitrate forms, plants can quickly absorb the required nitrogen, leading to improved growth and development.

3. Preventing Nitrogen Deficiency in Soil:
   CAN gradually converts ammonium into nitrate, ensuring a stable and continuous supply of nitrogen to plants, preventing nitrogen deficiency.

4. Suitable for Various Soil Types:
   Due to its neutral pH, this fertilizer is suitable for all types of soil and can be effectively used in different soil conditions.

5. Reducing Nitrogen Loss:
   When applied before rainfall or irrigation, CAN minimizes nitrogen loss, thereby increasing the efficiency of the fertilizer.

6. Providing Calcium to Soil and Plants:
   The calcium content in CAN helps improve soil structure and enhances plants’ resistance to environmental stresses such as drought or diseases.

7. Improving Crop Quality and Yield:
   CAN supports faster growth, greener foliage, and higher yields, ultimately improving the quality of agricultural products.

8. Multi-stage Application for Better Efficiency:
   In sandy soils where nitrate may leach away, CAN can be applied in multiple doses throughout the growing season to meet the nitrogen demands of plants effectively.