Sodium nitrate, or NaNO3, is a white crystalline compound made up of sodium, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is commonly found in nature as a mineral called niter and is often used in fertilizers due to its high nitrogen content, which is essential for plant growth. In addition to agriculture, NaNO3 has various industrial applications, including its use in food preservation and as a component in explosives. It is soluble in water, making it easy to apply in liquid fertilizers, and it plays a role in the production of glass and ceramics.