Sodium nitrate: what is it and the chemical formula of s altpeter, properties and use as a fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizers, such as s altpeter, have long been successfully used in agriculture for plant nutrition. Consider the physical and chemical properties of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrate, the benefits and harms, use, shelf life and rules of storage and contraindications for use. How to prepare s altpeter yourself, how to act in case of poisoning.

What is sodium nitrate

Sodium nitrate belongs to nitrogen fertilizers, contains 15-16% nitrogen and 26% sodium. In appearance, it is a white s alt, consisting of small crystals.S altpeter dissolves well in water, so that it dissolves faster, it is advisable to use not cold, but warm water.

Physical properties

Sodium nitrate is not the only name for a substance. It is also called sodium nitrate or Chilean s altpeter (since the large deposit where s alt was first mined was located in Chile). At present, s alt is not only mined in different countries, but mainly obtained as a by-product, which is formed during the production of nitric acid from ammonia.

Fertilizer is soluble in plain water, with increasing temperature, the solubility increases, at 20 ° C it dissolves in 100 g of water - 87.6 g of powder, at 60 ° C - 124.7 g, at 100 ° C - 176 g .

Chemical properties

Sodium nitrate has the formula NaNO3. It absorbs moisture from the air, as a result of which it intensively cakes, a structural change occurs, recrystallization of small crystals into large ones.In a dry place it does not cake, remains crumbly, in this form it is convenient to apply it to the soil.

In soil, sodium nitrate decomposes into Na+ cation and NO3- anion. Nitrate ion is absorbed only biologically, in autumn and winter, due to the lack of biological absorption, it does not remain in the soil. Because of this, nitrogen losses occur, especially on soils that are light in structure. Because of this feature, sodium nitrate is not recommended for autumn application. If pre-winter application is necessary, increase the dosage.

Benefits and harms

Sodium Nitrate Benefits:

• nourishes plants with 2 important elements: nitrogen and sodium;
• nitrogen in the nitrate form, the most available for plants;
• alkalinizes the soil;
• can be used as a fertilizer when sowing, planting, for top dressing;
• approved for use in all crops.

Cons: sodium nitrate is not used for the main application in the fall, as it is easily washed out and does not benefit.

Use area

Sodium nitrate can be used on all types of soils, with the exception of solonetzes, as sodium contributes to even greater soil salinity. Neutralizes increased acidity on sod-podzolic and light soils. For such soils, sodium nitrate is more effective than fertilizers with acidic ammonia.

For the main application, sodium nitrate is used in April, for sowing (as row fertilizer when sowing seeds) - in the next month, for dressing root and foliar - from June to August. S altpeter is especially recommended for feeding root crops and tomatoes, as crops that love sodium. When feeding beets, it makes it sweet due to the increased outflow of carbohydrates from foliage to root crops.It also becomes a source of nitrogen for crops throughout the growing season.

How to make sodium nitrate yourself

You can prepare sodium nitrate with your own hands. To create a fertilizer, 2 reagents are needed: ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride. They must be taken in equal proportions. Separately, dissolve each component of the future mixture in water: 1 part of s altpeter in 3 parts of water and 1 part of potassium in 2 parts of water. Mix until dissolved and combine both components. After that, put on fire.

Ammonia fumes will begin to be released, toxic if inhaled, so s altpeter should be prepared outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. When bubbling and evaporation stops, cool the solution and refrigerate. S altpeter will be ready when white long crystals form. They need to be crushed to a powder state. Pour into paper bags or tight plastic bags. Store in a dry place.

Instructions for use

Sodium nitrate is applied to all crops, except for those that do not require a lot of sodium as a nutrient. The dosage of fertilizer in agriculture depends on the amount of nitrogen in the soil, weather and climatic conditions, the type of crop grown and the previous crop. The rate of application of sodium nitrate is not constant, it must be calculated in each case separately.

Approximate dosage for the main application: for root crops - 50 g per 1 m², for vegetables - 40 g per 1 m²; for flowers - 35-40 g per 1 m². To prepare liquid feeding solutions, 100 g of s altpeter is dissolved in 10 liters of water, this volume is consumed per 10 m².

When used in household plots, s altpeter is applied for digging in autumn, 1-2 kg per hundred square meters, and 0.5 kg in spring. When planting trees, 100-150 g of fertilizer is poured into each planting hole, under a bush - 60 g each. You can also scatter the powder in tree trunks - 15-30 g per 1 sq.m; for an adult tree, the maximum dosage is not more than 250 g per plant.

For ease of dosage, you can use improvised means: in 1 tsp. holds 5 g of fertilizer, in 1 tbsp. l. - 15 g, in a matchbox - 25 g.

Contraindications and storage rules

Not recommended for saline and saline soils. For them, you need to pick up some other fertilizer with a similar effect. When used together, it should not be mixed with humus, additives, including phosphorus and potassium. Not used in greenhouses.

Sodium nitrate has an unlimited shelf life. Store only in the original packaging, which does not allow moisture to enter into the powder. Do not store near organic fertilizers, food, household products. Keep out of the reach of animals and children.

When heating fertilizer, there is a risk of fire or explosion, so it is isolated from combustible materials, hermetically sealed. Powder bags are stacked on pallets.

Storage conditions: moderately lit room, dry and ventilated. If the s altpeter is wet or damp, you can use it, but in this form it dissolves worse, so it is recommended to use hot water. Ready solution of sodium nitrate can be stored for 1 day. After that, the leftovers must be poured out, if necessary, prepare a new portion.

Safety measures and actions in case of poisoning

Sodium nitrate in contact with the skin is irritating to it. To avoid this, rubber gloves should be worn when handling the powder. When work is finished, wash your hands. Be sure to also wear a respirator and goggles, a respirator is especially necessary when preparing sodium nitrate on your own.

Sodium nitrate is toxic to humans and can be dangerous if inhaled or if it comes into contact with mucous membranes or skin. Dust is irritating and can cause chemical burns.

Sodium nitrate poisoning can occur if safety rules are violated or the dosage is exceeded. In this case, the following symptoms are observed: a s alty bitter taste, nausea, convulsions, lethargy, pain in the liver area and in the back of the head, cyanosis.

If you experience symptoms that indicate serious poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help. Be outdoors, warm, change clothes. Rinse skin with water, eyes with cold water for 10-30 minutes. If the solution enters the stomach, you need to rinse: drink 6-7 pcs. activated charcoal tablets, drink water. When 20 minutes have passed, artificially induce vomiting.

Sodium nitrate - one of the nitrogen fertilizers, used for feeding all crops, but especially recommended for root crops and nightshade - tomatoes, potatoes.Nitrogen in it is contained in the nitrate form, easily digestible by plants. Can be used to alkalize acidic soils. Not recommended for autumn application on light and flooded soils due to leaching into the lower soil layers.

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