Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers
| Infobox on Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers | |
|---|---|
| Example of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers |  |
| Facts | |
| Origin | - |
| Stowage factor (in m3/t) |
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| Angle of repose | - |
| Humidity / moisture | - |
| Oil content | - |
| Ventilation | Ventilate well |
| Risk factors | See text |
Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers
Description
The chemical compound ammonium nitrate, the nitrate of ammonia with the chemical formula NH4NO3, is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and standard pressure. It is commonly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, and it has also been used as an oxidizing agent in explosives, including improvised explosive devices.
Ammonium nitrate is an important fertilizer with the NPK designation 34-0-0 (34% nitrogen). It is less concentrated than urea (45-0-0) giving ammonium nitrate a slight transportation disadvantage. Ammonium nitrate's advantage over urea is that it is more stable and does not lose nitrogen to the atmosphere. During warm weather urea should only be applied before imminent rain in order to minimize nitrogen loss.
Ammonium Nitrate can give off toxic gases if heated. As an oxidizing agent contact with combustible materials such as oil it is dangerous.
Reference is made to the relevant IMO publications of hazardous cargo.
See ammonium nitrate