Question

Excess nitrates commonly occur during what stage of plant growth?

Answer 1

Nitrate accumuation shows a considerable variation with the growth of the plant. The rate of uptake of nitrates and its accumulation considerably decreases with the maturity and the growth of the plant. Therefore, young plants seem to accumulate much more nitrates than the older plants. Also, with the growth of the plant there is an increase in the enzymatic activity to convert the nitrates into intermediate compounds which can be readily evaporated by the plants.

Hence, nitrate accumulation in excess occurs in young plants.