Nitrogen Placement During Side-dressing 2019

TRIAL OBJECTIVE

  • There is an interest in better understanding nitrogen (N) placement during sidedressing and the potential effect on N uptake and yield. 

  • Nitrogen is a substantial cost in corn production. Understanding the optimal placement of sidedressed N can help farmers determine the application method best suited for their operation. 

 

RESEARCH SITE DETAILS

Location Monmouth, IL    
Soil Type  silt loam   

Previous
Crop
Corn     
Tillage
Type
Conventional 


 
Planting Date 04/25/19    
Harvest Date 10/09/19  

Potential Yield
 (bu/acre)
250    
Seeding Rate
(seeds/acre)
36,000

 

 

  • A 114-day RM SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend product was selected for this trial.
  • The form of N used for all treatments was 32-0-0 UAN.
  • 80 lb N/acre was applied prior to planting and incorporated.
  • 100 lb N/acre was sidedressed with a urease inhibitor.  Two  sidedressing methods were used on June 26, 2019 at the V6 growth stage.
    • A rolling coulter applied N in the center of the row (Figure 1).
    • A 360 Y-DROP® system applied N next to the base of the plants (Figures 2 and 3).
  • This trial included four replications.
  • This trial has been conducted at the Bayer Learning Center at Monmouth, IL over the last four years (from 2016-2019).

 

 

Figure 1. A rolling coulter applying N in the center of the row. Figure 1. A rolling coulter applying N in the center of the row.
Figure 2. A 360 Y-DROP® system applying N next to the base of the plants. Figure 2. A 360 Y-DROP® system applying N next to the base of the plants.
Figure 3. The location (dark line next to the base of the plants) where the 360 Y-DROP® system applied N. Figure 3. The location (dark line next to the base of the plants) where the 360 Y-DROP® system applied N.

UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS

Figure 4. Average corn yield for N sidedressing placement in the center of the row with a coulter and next to the base of the plant with 360 Y-DROP® for 2019 and the four-year average. Figure 4. Average corn yield for N sidedressing placement in the center of the row with a coulter and next to the base of the plant with 360 Y-DROP® for 2019 and the four-year average.
  • At this location, no clear advantage to either N application method has been seen at V6.

  • This year at this location dry conditions followed application, but the data shows no effect with applying the N directly beside the row.  

     

KEY LEARNINGS

  • The timing for a rolling coulter application can be limited due to the height of the corn crop.

  • 360 Y-DROP® can allow a wider application window for sidedressing later in the season.

  • Yield differences may not be economically feasible when all costs are considered. Consider all local costs when making N management decisions.

  • Individual corn products may have different responses to N application timing. Consult your local Field Sales Representative or Technical Agronomist for recommendations.

     

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