Hydrated calcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian salpeter), is mainly used as a component in fertilizers, but it has other applications.
Nitrocalcite is the name for a mineral which is a hydrated calcium nitrate that forms as an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment as in stables or caverns.
An anhydrous, air-stable derivative is the urea complex Ca(NO3)2·4[OC(NH2)2], which has been sold as Cal-Urea.
In the presence of nitrate, the metabolism for sulfates stops, thus preventing formation of hydrogen sulfide.
[5] Additionally, easily degradable organic matter is consumed, which otherwise can cause anaerobic conditions downstream as well as odour emissions itself.
[7] The nitrate ion leads to formation of iron hydroxide, whose protective layer reduces corrosion of the concrete reinforcement.