Is nitrate reduction beneficial or harmful to farmers?

Question

Can you please explain why, on a chemical level in easy to understand terms? I don't understand why or why not. Thanks!

Answer 1

Reduction is the chemical term for addition of electrons to a molecule.  I assume it this use of the term that you are inquiring about.  In the case of nitrate, reduction involves the conversion to ammonia.  Plant take up nitrate as the source of nitrogen for growth.  Nitrogen has to be in the reduction state of ammonia for it to enter into plant metabolism (i.e. protein synthesis).  So, nitrate is absolutely essential for plant growth and agricultural production, and is therefore a benefit to farmers.