Why Monitor Nitrate?

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient which leads to all plant growth

Nitrogen is a limiting factor for corn growth because of its role in creating chlorophyll among other nutrients. Nitrogen is absorbed throughout different stages of growth for the plant in different amounts, so multiple applications of fertilizer can be beneficial. Often farmers over apply fertilizer to ensure that an optimal yield is achieved.

The over application of nitrogen based fertilzer is not only an extra expense for farmers, but it can cause harm to communities and the environment when it leaks into water systems. Nitrate has been linked to cancer in humans, and has caused in livestock. If nitrate can be applied properly, community health can be improved and farmers can save money.