Changes in the soluble nitrogen compounds after application of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (amitrole) to amitrole susceptible and amitrole resistant ecotypes of Cirsium arvense were investigated. One day after treatment with amitrole the concentration of all nitrogen compounds tested in the leaves of the susceptible ecotype was reduced, but none was eliminated. Five days after treatment the concentration of the same compounds increased in the leaves above the control (0 amitrole) concentration. The resistant ecotype had less change in nitrogen compound than did the susceptible ecotype. Changes in the soluble nitrogen compounds in the stem and root fraction were less than in the leaf fraction. The authors suggest a two phase reaction of the soluble nitrogen compounds due to amitrole treatment. It is concluded that the primary biochemical lesion of amitrole in mature Cirsium arvense is not the elimination of glycine, serine, or any other soluble nitrogen compound.