Difference Between Nitrate of Soda 16-0-0 and Sodium Nitrate 99%

Nitrate of Soda 16-0-0 vs Sodium Nitrate 99%
 

Nitrogen containing compounds are commonly used as fertilizers because nitrogen is one of the essential elements for plant growth and development. Though our atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen, plants cannot utilize that molecular nitrogen. Therefore, nitrogen cycle is important in converting nitrogen gas into a water soluble form in soil where plants can absorb. Despite nitrogen being the most abundant gas, nitrogen deficiency is the most common problem in plants. This shows that most of the time natural nitrogen supply doesn’t meet the required level for plants. Therefore, nitrogen containing fertilizer is widely in use.

Nitrogen is an important structural element in plant cells. It is a major component in chlorophylls, which is used by plants to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. In addition, nitrogen is the major component in amino acids, which is needed to produce proteins. Proteins are important because they are making enzymes that are needed for all the metabolic activities inside plant cells. Further, nitrogen is a significant component in nucleic acids (genetic material) and ATP (energy transfer molecules). Therefore, if there is not any nitrogen, plants cannot survive.

Nitrate of Soda 16-0-0

This is a rock mineral fertilizer containing nitrogen. Nitrate of soda is also known as Chilean Nitrate of Soda. This contains 16% nitrogen as nitrates. Other than that, there are 26% sodium and 0.25% boron and other trace elements.  Nitrate of soda 16-0-0 is a good fertilizer to give nitrogen, because it can release nitrogen fast. It contains nitrogen in the form of nitrates. So it can dissolve in water readily and release nitrogen to the soil. Therefore, when fast plant growth and color is required, this is the ideal fertilizer to be used. Since nitrogen is a major player in the growth of stems and leaves, deficiency of nitrogen will show a stunted growth.  The leaves turn into pale or yellowish color. These symptoms can be used to identify the nitrogen deficiency. Since this fertilizer is highly water soluble it has a short remaining time in soil, so it is recommended to apply this just before planting. Nitrate of soda is a non acid forming fertilizer. However, this shouldn’t be used for the alkaline soils such as in places where the rainfall is low. This is because this fertilizer also adds sodium to the soil, which can further increase its alkalinity.

Sodium Nitrate 99%

Sodium nitrate is a white-color crystalline powder with the chemical formula NaNO₃. This is also known as Chile saltpeter or Peru sal.  In sodium nitrate 99%, the purity is indicated by 99%. That means there is 99g of sodium nitrate in a 100g sample. This is mainly used in the glass industry, dye industry, explosives, and as a fertilizer and medicine. It has nitrogen in the form of nitrate, which is readily soluble in water. Therefore, this is a good fertilizer to use in nitrogen deficient soils.