What is the composition of Nitrolim-a chemical fertilizer?

Nitrolim is a chemical fertilizer primarily composed of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) and carbon. It is produced by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with atmospheric nitrogen (N2) at high temperatures, typically around 1000°C to 1100°C [1]. The chemical equation for this process is CaC2 + N2 → CaCN2 + C [1]. The resulting mixture of calcium cyanamide and carbon is commercially sold as 'Nitrolim' [1]. When applied to soil, it undergoes hydrolysis to form calcium hydroxide and urea, which eventually converts into ammonia, providing a slow-release source of nitrogen for plants. While limestone is used as a raw material to produce the calcium carbide required for the process, the final fertilizer product 'Nitrolim' is specifically the mixture resulting from the reaction of calcium carbide and nitrogen.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/313courseE/L21.pdf