It is well known that plants being grown under low light conditions can accumulate nitrate (NO3), the amount depending on the growing conditions and availability of NO3-N in the rooting medium. Those growing plants hydroponically maybe able to reduce this accumulation by increasing the concentration of molybdenum (Mo) in the nutrient solution formulation (1 to 2 ppm) higher than normally recommended, and in addition, adding ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) to the nutrient solution formulation so that it constitutes 15 to 25% of the total N. There is also a plant species factor that is important if the plants being grown are for direct human or animal consumption as a high NO3 content can pose a potential health hazard. When growing plants for direct human or animal consumption, the NO3-N concentration in the harvested product should be determined for their market suitability. When needed, adjustments in the growing method should be made in order to minimize NO3-N plant accumulation.
