Purpose: This study was performed to develop a simple, disposable thin-film optical nitrate sensor. Methods: The sensor was fabricated by applying a nitrate-selective polymer membrane on the surface of a thin polyester film. The membrane was composed of polyvinylchloride (PVC), plasticizer, fluorescent dye, and nitrate-selective ionophore. Fluorescence intensity of the sensor increased on contact with a nitrate solution. The fluorescence response of the optical nitrate sensor was measured with a commercial fluorospectrometer. Results: The optical sensor exhibited linear response over four concentration decades. Conclusions: Nitrate ion concentrations in plant nutrient solutions can be determined by direct optical measurements without any conditioning before measurements.