Prelim Focus : Ammonium Nitrate, Fertilizer, ANFO, Eutrophication

• Widely used in fertilizers and explosives.
• The most common nitrogenous component of artificial fertilizers.
• Colourless crystal substance.
• Highly soluble in water.
• It is an oxidizing agent. The material itself does not readily burn but will readily do so if contaminated by combustible material. It will accelerate the burning of combustible material.
• Excessive use leads to water pollution (eutrophication)
• Used in ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) explosives.