The assimilation of inorganic nitrogenous salts, including sodium nitrate, by the grass plant

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Abstract
An attempt was made to follow the transformation of inorganic N applied to the soil into organic N in the herbage. Inorganic N was detected in the herbage 2 hrs. after application. In early spring, synthetic processes in the leaf are slow enough to permit accumulation of partially elaborated compounds. This margin rapidly disappears, but more slowly when nitrogenous salts are applied. Nitrites occur naturally in spring grass, and the amt. is increased when the grass is treated with (NH4) SO4 or NaN03. It is suggested that nitrites play a significant part in "grass tetany" of cattle, which is usually associated with herbage of high inorganic N content. Grass treated with NaN02 at 3 cwt/acre was apparently unharmed, but chemical analysis gave evidence of metabolic disturbance.