Consider In-Season Nitrogen

Early-planted corn popped up in rows and is working on 2-3 leaves. This heat we’re going to receive may be what we need to finish pushing the crop out of the ground. Overall, the stands I’ve seen have been very good. We’ve heard some horror stories about other areas that got some rainfall and needed a replant, but in our area I have not seen where we have had that issue. Corn is going to need a drink soon but so far it looks like we are well on our way to a successful crop.

In the next 3 weeks we are going to approach the rapid growth stage. This is where it only takes two or three days to put on a new leaf, and we go from knee high corn to shoulder high very quickly. This is where we need as many nutrients as possible. In-season applications help get us nitrogen during this rapid growth phase. At SFG we promote the in-season nitrogen because it’s the best way to ensure that we have adequate nutrients right when the corn needs it. In my opinion the best time to apply in-season nitrogen is when corn is at the V5-V6 stage right before it starts to shoot up. We have seen very good results and minimal nitrogen losses by this program.

In-season nitrogen is a large expense but it’s something to look at on your high-producing fields, or fields that got fall-applied NH3 only. This would help to put back the nitrogen that could have been lost this spring. Check in with your SFG agronomist to talk about in-season nitrogen and how we can capture more bushels this 2025 growing season.