By James Rogers and Karl Hoppe et.al
Dry weather across the state has increased concerns about nitrate accumulation in forage plants.
North Dakota State University specialists warn about the effects of rain on drought-stressed forages.
When soil moisture conditions are favorable, and plants are actively growing, they absorb nitrate from the soil and convert it into amino acids and proteins. When plants become stressed by dry weather, growth slows, but the plant may continue to take up nitrates.
Because plant growth has slowed, the nitrates taken up are not converted into amino acids and proteins at the same rate. Instead, nitrates accumulate in the plant, increasing the risk of nitrate poisoning, says James Rogers, NDSU Extension forage crops production specialist.
Some farmers could assume that when it rains, and the plant begins actively growing again, nitrate levels suddenly drop. Rogers says that’s not true.
“Following a rain event, nitrate levels may actually spike two to three days after the rain,” says Rogers.
Source : ndsu.edu