Maximizing Corn Yield Potential: Nitrogen Application Strategies

STEVEN TROESSER 

 MISSOURI

Nitrogen (N) is a high-value nutrient necessary for corn plant growth and high grain yield potential, but high yields at harvest time do not come without an investment. N is a major input cost for corn production. Applying the right amount at the right time and in the right place can help bring the highest return on N investment. Adequate N availability in corn allows the plant to reach its genetic yield potential, but it’s important to understand when a corn plant uses N during its development stages.

 While N is actively taken up by the plant during each growth stage, uptake is slow during the early vegetative stages through the fifth leaf development stage. During the V6 growth stage, N uptake reaches 25-30 pounds. Then, it accelerates from the V12 stage to tassel when uptake of the nutrient reaches 40% of the total amount of N needed by the plant to grow and set seed. From the time of tassel emergence until the reproductive stage, the plant continues to rely on N to complete the reproductive stage processes.

 According to results that were published from a 2022 trial entitled “The Effect on Nitrogen Application Strategy on Corn Yield,” corn plants receiving split N treatments tended to yield better than plants that received only an upfront treatment of N. Bayer researchers found that N application rates are key to maximizing yield. The study determined that when developing a cost-effective fertility program, residual N in the soil should be considered with applied N to help maximize return on investment.

 Just like you, Channel has a strong focus on winning genetics, integrated weed and pest management, efficiency, and effectiveness. In short, we try to anticipate everything you can experience on your farm to help you navigate each year as successfully, sustainably and profitably as possible. 

 As the growing season gets underway in Missouri, farmers can consider these tips to enhance yield potential. The availability of N to the corn plant at critical uptake periods during the early reproductive stages and through the ear-filling stages plays a major role in determining yield. Managing the amount, timing and nitrogen source will play a role in feeding nitrogen to the plant at the crucial ear-filling stages.

Through the Channel^® Field Check Up Series, Seedsmen provide customized recommendations based on the specific growing conditions they observe throughout the growing season. It starts with placing the right products for specific field conditions, continues throughout the season with regular visits to monitor crop development, and culminates with planning for next year based on this year’s results. Find your local Seedsman at Channel.com. ∆

STEVEN TROESSER: Channel Technical Agronomist