Michigan State University Extension
Soils & Soil Management - Fertilizer - 06039714
07/10/97
Tri-state Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat and Alfalfa Extension Bulletin E-2567 (New), July 1995
M.L. Vitosh, Michigan State University; J.W. Johnson, The Ohio State University; D.B. Mengel, Purdue University; Co-editors
The following N recommendations (Vis. 9) for corn assume the crop is planted during the optimum planting period on mineral soils with either good natural or improved drainage.
Additional Comments
1. N fertilizer rates are based on the following relationship:
N (lb./acre) = -27 + (1.36 x yield potential) - N credit or 110 + (1.36 x (yield potential - 100)) - N credit
N credits:
Soybeans 30
Grass sod/pastures 40
Annual legume cover crop 30
Established forage legume 40 + 20 x (plants/ft2) to
maximum of 140
Corn and most other crops 0
Organic waste Consult individual state
recommendations
2. For corn silage, assume 1 ton/acre is equivalent to 6 bu/acre of grain.
3.For inadequately drained soils with high denitrification potentials, N should be either:
* Applied in a split application. * Applied as anhydrous ammonia with a nitrification inhibitor. * Or concentrated in a band to minimize soil contact.
4. Corn grown on coarse-textured/low CEC soils with high leaching potentials may benefit from split or multiple N applications.
5. For soils with greater than 30 percent residue cover, the majority of applied N should be either: * Injected below the soil surface. * Dribbled in bus using N solutions. * Or broadcast only if the material contains no urea (i.e., ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate).
6. No-till corn, corn planted into cold, wet soils, corn following anhydrous ammonia applied less than 2 weeks prior to planting, and corn following spring-tilled legumes or cover crops should receive some N at planting, either:
* 20 to 40 lb. N/acre banded near the row. * Or 40 to 60 lb. N/acre broadcast.
7. For organic soils with greater than 20 percent organic matter, adjust rates using a pre-sidedress N soil test (consult individual state recommendations) or reduce N rates by 40 lb./acre.
8. For fall applications (after October 20, well drained soils only) or early spring applications (before April 15) on wet soils, use only anhydrous ammonia with a nitrification inhibitor. Fall applications of N are not recommended on coarse-textured soils in the tri-state region. In addition, fall N is not recommended on any soil in Michigan and south of U.S. 40 in Indiana.
9. If planting is delayed past the optimum planting period, reduce N rate to reflect loss of yield potential.
10. When soils are limed and the lime is not incorporated, surface application of urea forms of nitrogen fertilizer are not recommended within one year of the lime application. Ammonium nitrate, anhydrous ammonia, ammonium sulfate or injected 28 percent solutions are suitable materials for this case.
11. Incorporation of materials with a high carbon: nitrogen ratio, such as sawdust and leaves, can cause a temporary shortage of N due to immobilization.
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| Nitrogen recommendations for corn based on yield potential - 34K |
