In a typical year, nitrate levels don’t vary much between the fall and spring of the year. North Dakota State University Extension Soil Specialist Dave Franzen says he’s seen an unusual decline of nitrate content in soils. “In my entire career, I’ve never seen a substantial decrease in nitrate from a fall soil test to a spring test, but I’m seeing it this year in the eastern part of North Dakota.” Franzen isn’t entirely sure about what caused the drop in nitrate levels. “It’s probably a combination of losses with the incredible rains we’ve had and leaching.”
