Several options for corn nitrogen sources exist, including anhydrous ammonia (left), pelletized urea (middle) and liquid urea (UAN 28% or 32%, right). The correct source is often determined by farmer preference, equipment, availability, and price. Photo courtesy of Eric Richer, Fulton County office of Ohio State University Extension.
A fertilizer applicator is seen sidedressing liquid nitrogen (UAN 28%) in a field. Sidedressing application uses a toolbar that injects nitrogen below the surface of the soil to keep nutrients in the field and plant available. Photo courtesy of Eric Richer, Fulton County office of Ohio State University Extension.
A fertilizer applicator sidedressing nitrogen during the early stage of corn vegetative growth. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
A fertilizer applicator sidedressing nitrogen during the mid-stage of corn vegetative growth. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
Many late-season options now exist to help farmers apply nitrogen at the right place and right time to corn. By timing fertilizer when plants need it, fertilizer use can be reduced. Here, 28% UAN (liquid nitrogen) was applied at the stalk base at growth stage V8, a vegetative state during corn development. Photo courtesy of Eric Richer, Fulton County office of Ohio State University Extension.
Farmers can use cover crops, like the terminated cereal rye crop seen here, to reduce erosion, improve soil health, and keep nutrients in the field. Photo courtesy of Eric Richer, Fulton County office of Ohio State University Extension.
Researchers use a soil probe to collect soil core samples in a container from a trial field. This is done to monitor soil nitrates for late season nitrogen application. Soil samples are generally taken from a depth of 0 to 12 inches, and are 1 inch wide. Samples are collected from random locations within the same field to test for a variety of soil health indicators. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
A sidedressing nitrogen applicator refills with 28% Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) solution at a trial field. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
Eric Richer (left), an OSU Extension educator, and Les Seiler (right), a Fulton County farmer, with cut Corn Stalk Nitrate Tests (CSNTs) from the field. These 8-inch (20 cm) sections of stalk measure nitrate nitrogen that remains in the corn plant and has not been used by the plant by the end of the season. This can help farmers evaluate if they are using the right amount of nitrogen. Photo courtesy of OSU Extension Fulton County.
A researcher measures and cuts Corn Stalk Nitrate Tests (CSNTs) in a trial field. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
An aerial view of corn nitrogen rate trial in Hardin County, Ohio, where randomized test strips are replicated across the field. Photo courtesy of Mark Badertscher, Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension.
Many Ohio farmers partner with Extension for on-farm studies through the eFields program. Using modern technology and the latest research, farmers and their advisors test out new practices and techniques providing valuable information that helps farmers across the region. To access the searchable eFields reports on the Knowledge Exchange, visit kx.osu.edu/efields. Photo courtesy of Eric Richer, Fulton County office of Ohio State University Extension.