what are nitrates wiki
Nitrate (NO 3 1-) is a polyatomic ion. It is made up of one nitrogen and three oxygen atoms. It is part of many important molecules. Potassium nitrate is a common nitrate, used in fertilizers because plants need nitrates to live and grow.Some nitrates are explosive. People make large amounts of nitrates from ammonia.Nitrates are similar to nitrites. Nitric acid has the formula HNO 3 and has no overall charge, because the hydrogen ion is positive.otassium nitrate is a common nitrate, used in fertilizers because plants need nitrates to live and grow. Some nitrates are explosive. People make large amounts of nitrates from ammonia.