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Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer can Explode

Until this year, we have not been too concerned with safety factors in the use of ammonium nitrate as a fertilizer. Then a devastating explosion involving the chemical occurred in Roseburg, Oregon. The following discussion of the hazard attendant upon the storage of quantities of this commonly used fertilizer is based on information furnished by O.W. Moore of Region 2, Ed Blaser of Region 6, and the Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. Our recommendation is that if you make extensive use of this fertilizer, as in a tree nursery, then take every precaution in handling the material. You should check with the manufacturer for additional standards. If you make only a limited use of it, as for a few seedbeds or a lawn, you should buy only enough to use for the current need.


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Author(s): O. W. Moore

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 41 (1960)