Side dressing Urea Nitrogen in Corn

Side-dressing nitrogen in addition to preplant nitrogen application in corn has several advantages compared to preplant applications only. Some of the benefits include providing nitrogen closer to when it is needed by the corn crop, reducing the potential for nitrogen losses, and possibly fine-tuning nitrogen application rates for expected yield.

Broadcasting urea may cause some leaf “speckling” or browning of the leaf edge when granules fall into the corn whorl. The potential for this to occur increases with higher application rates and taller corn. To minimize adhesion of urea to the plant, apply when the foliage is dry. Using an urease inhibitor when side dressing urea early in the season can minimize volatilization loss.