Nitrate Accumulation in Vegetables. II. Table Beets Grown in Upland Soils1

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Abstract
Nitrate concentrations in table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plant parts were determined for different sources and times of application of N fertilizers to a Honeoye fine sandy loam and a Lima silt loam to determine effects of N fertilization on the concentration of nitrates in the plant parts used for consumption for food.Nitrate concentrations were determined potentiometrically, using a nitrate‐selective ion electrode, on plant samples taken at time intervals after N fertilization and at harvest stage for processing.Nitrate concentrations in table beet roots, leaf blades, and petioles were increased significantly by applications of N fertilizers. Rate of N application was the most significant factor affecting NO3 accumulation in the plants. Carrier of N was a significant factor only when the N fertilizers were sidedressed shortly before harvest. Sidedressing before harvest with KNO3 and broadcasting before planting with NH4NO3 and urea gave similar concentrations of NO3 in the plants. Beet leaves were significantly higher in NO3 than roots.

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