November 22, 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 | Planting Date | 4/25/19 |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam | Harvest Date | 10/9/19 |
| Previous Crop | Corn | Potential Yield (bu/acre) | 250 |
| Tillage Type | Conventional | 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 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.
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.
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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