What's your nitrate risk?

At this time of year it’s important to assess nitrate risk. Rapid growth after a long dry period, paddocks with a recent nitrogen application or areas that have experienced dull overcast days can result in the accumulation of nitrate, meaning the plant takes it up faster than it can use it. If your short term pasture (Italian or Annual), winter brassica crops, winter green feed cereal or newly sown perennial pasture is due for its first nip - take a nitrate test first to assess if levels are in a risk zone.

Without testing for levels of nitrate in pasture or crop, we can’t know if levels are potentially dangerous. Laboratory testing remains the ‘gold standard’ most reliable testing method. Nitrate test kits are useful but not as accurate as laboratory testing

Got any other questions on nitrates? Ask us in the comments below, via our live chat or contact form.