A procedure for extraction and measurement of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) in soil is described. Extracting solution [0.025M Al2(SO4)3] and field‐moist soil are measured volumetrically, with NO3‐N concentration measured by nitrate‐sensitive colorometric test strips or nitrate‐selective electrode. Across a range of soil texture, moisture content, and NO3‐N concentration, the procedure was well correlated with conventional laboratory analysis of 2N KC1 soil extracts (r2= 0.94). This quick test procedure is proposed as an on‐farm monitoring technique to improve N management.