Saltpeter is outdated, but still quite often used, the name of salts of nitric acid – nitrates. During the work at the dacha as nitrogen fertilizer ammonium nitrate is widely applied. Its exterior – the white crystals which often have grayish or pinkish shade because of impurity. Substance extremely hydroscopic, well absorbs moisture from air owing to what "cakes".
Ammonium nitrate is recommended to be stored in the dry, aired room. Before the direct use (that is entering into the soil) if necessary to crush the formed lumps. Advantages of this fertilizer – low cost, light comprehensibility plants, good solubility (thanks to what, it can be brought in the soil not only in a dry form, but also type of liquid fertilizing). It is necessary to consider that in those regions where cespitose and podsolic and podsolic soils prevail, it is better to bring ammonium nitrate in mixes with equal weight amount of ground limestone (calcium carbonate) to prevent acidulation of the soil. Ground limestone is necessary as well in case the summer resident decides to fertilize along with ammonium nitrate the soil superphosphate. In this case, it should be added from 10 to 20 weight percent of mix saltpeter/superphosphate. And at first to mix limestone with superphosphate, and already then to add saltpeter. Some summer residents face problems of the stubs remaining after file of trees. It is good if the tree was rather small – then it is possible to root out stub with little effort. And if large? In this case, grubbing turns into serious problem. Saltpeter – potassium can help only this time its decision also. Its name – potassium nitrate or nitrate of potassium is correct. It is necessary to drill (by means of hand or power drill) several deep openings in face of stub and to fill up in them potassium saltpeter. After a while (is defined by practical consideration as depends on the size of stub and density of wood) all stub, including roots, completely will dry up, and it can be rooted out rather easily. By the way, for this purpose it is possible to use the same ammonium saltpeter or sodium, but potassium saltpeter works quicker and more effectively. Some summer residents also still use potassium and sodium saltpeter when smoking meat. Saltpeter plays preservative role and also promotes acquisition of beautiful pink color of product. But this way is unsafe (as at mistake to dosage there can be severe food poisoning) therefore it is necessary to use it with care.