The Concern about Nitrate Accumulation

Nitrate is the form of nitrogen that plant roots take up from the soil. It’s transported to the leaves where it is eventually converted into protein. However, when plants are stressed or injured, such as by a hail storm, this process can be interrupted and excess nitrates accumulate. We asked Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist at the Ag-Info Centre why this nitrate accumulation is a concern.

Interview with Barry Yaremcio (2:34 minutes) (1.17 Mb)

For more information, see the Nitrate Poisoning and Feeding Nitrate Feeds to Livestock factsheet on Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s website,www.agricuture.alberta.ca.