As Agronomists we have know that certain hybrids or genetic types have shown greater response to increased rates of Nitrogen (N) or split applications of Nitrogen than others.
Recent Data from Purdue has shown that today’s hybrids take up to 27% more total Nitrogen after tasseling than pre 1990 hybrids. At first thought it makes sense that as you increase yield, which has taken place since 1990 nutrient uptake will increase as well. What this study points out is that the uptake is taking place later in the growing season.
Managing nutrient uptake later in the season especially Nitrogen is easier than it has been in the past. We can’t kid ourselves, we are still at the mercy of the weather and putting a solid base rate of Nitrogen on early is still a good plan. We now have more options for applying Nitrogen products than we have in the past.
- Sidedressing with UAN (28% or 32%) or Anhydrous Ammonia (Nh3) is still a good way to put N on. (And in the case of UAN products we also have a the opportunity to put additional Potassium (K) or Sulfur (S) on.)
- Topdressing with Urea or Coated Slow Release Urea with a High Clearance Spreader into a standing corn.
- Drops or Drop Tubing UAN products onto the soil surface after canopy
- Aerial applying or combing Slow Release Nitrogen products with your Fungicide prior to Brown Silk.
Another source of slow release Nitrogen is the soil itself, especially fields with high Organic Matter or fields that have a history of manure applications. Taking advantage of these sources of “free” Nitrogen requires more planning and information because you want to make sure you have enough Nitrogen when the plant needs it. A visit with your local Central Valley Agronomist and Central Advantage Representative will help identify which fields and what part of those fields are more prone to supplying additional Nitrogen from the soil or manure.
Lastly, besides gaining yield because of an additional application of Nitrogen and in some cases reducing nutrient costs, we need to continue looking at split applying nutrients especially Nitrogen products because of future regulations.
Utilizing the tools we have now to help produce more bushels will better prepare us to manage when these regulations come down.
