Oswald No-Till Farm Cleghorn, IA | Greetings,
Over the years, I have tested N applications a number of ways other than high-boy and pivot since I don't have either.
In a dry year or in typically dry environments, holding too much N until sidedress with little moisture to make it work spells disaster. I have (at times) seen lower fall stalk nitrate test results with sidedress ammonia compared to fall or spring ammonia. I think it can kick in too late.
In soils that are less leaky, the response is less clear.
Timing, time, cost of materials are all legitimate factors.
What I can tell you is that corn needs access to N and it seems that ultimate amount is less important than availability. N from soil mineralization or nutrient cycling is a big deal. Temperature drives N availability so small corn plants in cold soil needs N up close to the plant.
I encourage anyone to experiment with N timing and rate trials on their farm in their production system. You have to calibrate your own system in your own "average" environment.
"Here", if every spring was nice and dry early followed by decent rains after application, spring applied ammonia is very hard to beat. Unfortunately, most springs aren't that nice as once it is dry enough to apply ammonia one should be planting corn. Liquids and Urea can work fine but often leave you lacking when it is too wet or too dry.
Your results may vary, that's why people do things differently.
Best of luck, |
Why aren't more acres of corn sidedressed?
