With the recent media coverage focusing on nitrates, it is timely to discuss nitrogen — why we use it, how it behaves in the soil, and what we are do­­ing to responsibly manage it. These topics are important for us all to understand and be able to communicate the message as to why nitrogen is important to our success in combating hunger and addressing food insecurity.

Nitrogen is a fundamental part of plant nutrition. All plants utilize nitrogen. Legumes, such as...