If animals show signs of nitrate poisoning or a problem is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately. If the problem is diagnosed in time, animals can be treated and will usually recover fully. Nitrogen is necessary for plant growth. It is present in native ecosystems and farming ecosystems. Animal manure, human wastes, compost, sewage sludge, legume crops and green manure crops are organic sources of nitrogen.
Some nitrogen fertilizer contains nitrogen already in nitrate form.
When any nitrogen is added to the soil, either from organic or inorganic sources, it becomes a part of the soil nitrogen cycle. Plants do not necessarily use the total amount of nitrogen generated through the processes of the nitrogen cycle. When the nitrogen supply is greater than the amount used by plants, potential for accumulation of nitrates in the soil and loss from the system exists, regardless of the original source. Nitrates can be lost from the system by leaching, denitrification, volatilization and immobilization. From the standpoint of groundwater quality, leaching of nitrates is the primary concern.