Saltpetre (from "sal petrae" = rock salt or rock salt) is the colloquial name mainly for nitrates such as calcium nitrate (calcium), potassium nitrate or potassium saltpetre (potassium) and sodium nitrate or Chile saltpetre (sodium) and are salts of nitric acid. They are obtained from nitric acid, which is produced from ammonia. The ammonia is first produced from atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen. These products are important fertilisers, as plants need nitrogen to build up proteins. Saltpetre is also used for preservatives and pyrotechnics.
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Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen