Magnesium Nitrate

About This Product

Magnesium nitrate, usually supplied as the hexahydrate Mg(NO3)2.6H2O with CAS number 10377-60-3, is a white crystalline solid, very soluble in water and strongly hygroscopic. Its agricultural role follows from where magnesium sits in plant biochemistry. A magnesium atom occupies the centre of every chlorophyll molecule, so a plant short of magnesium cannot build functional chlorophyll. Because magnesium is mobile within the plant, it is withdrawn from older leaves to supply new growth, which produces the characteristic diagnostic symptom: interveinal chlorosis, yellowing between the veins on the lower leaves while the veins themselves stay green and the growing tip appears healthy. Magnesium sulphate is the cheaper source, but in fertigation the sulphate can precipitate with calcium in the tank, and in soils a sulphate source adds sulphur that may not be wanted. The nitrate form avoids both and delivers nitrogen alongside. Industrially it is also used as a dehydrating agent in nitric acid concentration and as a catalyst carrier. It is used in fertigation and foliar feeds, hydroponics, nitric acid concentration, pyrotechnics and as a desiccant. Bio Green Chem supplies magnesium nitrate to specification on nitrogen and magnesium content, moisture, insolubles, chloride and heavy metals.