Maximizing corn yield potential

Nitrogen 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 to 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 Indiana, farmers can consider these tips to enhance yield potential.

When it comes to N applications, farmers need to be aware of all of the risks associated with N loss.

If applying N on top of the soil surface, you need both a nitrification and volatilization inhibitor. If you are incorporating it, you only need a nitrification inhibitor.

N stabilizers are a great way to ensure you get the most out of your N fertilizer investment.

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