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.

Read More News

Jul 09, 2025
The Tarspotter app gives growers a tool to determine if weather conditions are favorable for tar spot.
Jul 09, 2025
It's your last chance to boost yields and mitigate disease with a fungicide application.
Jun 25, 2025
This season's wet weather can be a contributing factor in the resurgence of white mold.

Related Topics