SPLIT APPLY N FOR THE WIN
May 10, 2021
Split applying nitrogen (N) on corn – some preplant and some sidedress – is a best management practice, “especially on our lighter textured soils,” said Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. It’s the best agronomic and environmental recommendation Federated can make to help boost corn yields.
But, if you have this management plan in place, take note: “Don’t wait too long to do the second application [of N],” said Carlson. Plan the second application by the time corn is at 5-6 leaves. It’s better to err on the side of too early (assuming the N is stabilized with Factor) than applying the N too late.
Weather, too-tall corn and equipment that can’t clear it, and other issues can get in the way of the second application if you wait too long.
Well-timed split applying is a “very solid recommendation,” said Carlson. With that, “we have some N available early in the season, and the rest available later.”
N is the #1 nutrient for yield in corn. “Managing that to the best of your ability will give you the best ROI for a single crop nutrient in corn. It’s time and money well spent,” said Carlson.
Talk to your Federated Agronomist to get your nitrogen management on track.