Nitrates are organic and inorganic compounds of the chemical element nitrogen (N), which exist in many forms. In the narrower sense, the term refers to the salts of nitric acid (HNO₃). Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate are colloquially referred to as saltpetre. In addition to nutrients, inorganic nitrates play an important role in plant physiology in various essential processes such as supporting photosynthesis, osmoregulation, nutrient transport and protection against diseases (as do chlorides, phosphates and sulphates). There are the following compounds with the listed functions:
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