Vegetable growers in the Willamette Valley use high rates of nitrogen fertilizers, often exceeding 250 to 300 pounds actual N/acre per season. While growers believe that these rates are necessary to achieve maximum yields and quality, a considerable portion of the applied fertilizer is not taken up by the crop. This has raised concerns that the remaining N may be contributing to nitrate pollution of groundwater. Improved efficiency of nitrogen management may be possible if the fertilizer could be placed for maximum contact with the root system.