2024 Nitrogen Rates in Corn Trial (Producer-Led)

OVERVIEW

The project compares different nitrogen rates applied at different times in the growing season on corn yield and quality. This project was set up on a local producer’s land, southeast of Barrhead.

Corn is becoming a more popular silage option in the west central area, it is a high energy, digestible feed source. There are many corn hybrids out there that work well in our region. For this trial, PS 2320 RR was the variety used. It’s a roundup ready, dual-purpose corn, with good disease resistance. Producing optimal corn silage requires careful attention to soil fertility.  Corn harvested for silage removes more nutrients compared to grain harvest. Understanding the crop’s nutrient requirements is paramount in successful corn silage production.

PARTNERS

·         Rod Nikkel

·         Barrhead County

Corn planting on June 5th

METHODS

A total of 9 plots (1/4 acre each) were set up on his land to compare different fertilize rates and applications. The site was seeded on May 28th at a rate of 30,000 seeds per acre using a corn planter with a 36” spacing. The variety seeded was PS 2320 RR.

Data was collected early, on Sept 17th, as there was a pipeline being put in on that piece of land in late September.

Fertilizer Rates Per Plot

Nine plots including 2 checks were fertilized with various rates of Nitrogen and Sulfur at different times.

Nitrogen and sulfur are essential elements for corn growth and development. Adequate nitrogen promotes vegetation growth and enhances yield potential. It is the building blocks of proteins which are necessary for photosynthesis.

Sulfur plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and contributes to chlorophyll formation. Both elements are reliant on each other; adequate sulfur helps with efficient nitrogen utilization. An optimal ratio maximizes crop performance and productivity.

The optimal Nitrogen to Sulfur (N:S) ratio for corn production is generally considered to be between 10:1 and 12:1. This range ensures that sulfur is available to support nitrogen use efficiency and maximize corn yields. Ratios outside this range, such as higher than 15:1, may indicate sulfur deficiency, which can limit nitrogen uptake and plant growth

RESULTS

R5 cob maturity is reflective of the early harvest that happened. R5 dent stage spans about 30-33 days, and kernel moisture is about 55%. The kernels may appear more mature, but the crop remains susceptible to stresses that can adversely affect the overall yield.

Note: This data may be skewed as it was taken earlier than expected. Bushels based on below average fill due to early harvest.

Measurements were based on row length equivalent to 1/1000th acre, 36” spacing equals 14’6”.

1. In the plot measure the chosen 1/1000th acre (14’6”) and count the number of harvestable ears on the plants.

2. Count the number of kernels per ear.

3. Multiply the harvestable ears by the kernels per ear, divide by 100 (100 is the average number of kernels in a bushel of corn at 15.5% moisture).

These numbers are an estimate, and the overall yield will be affected by harvesting early.

Bushels per acre and fertilizer timing influenced the overall yield. Plot number 8 was fertilized twice over the growing season, and it produced the second largest yield at 196 bu/ac. Plot number 9 produced the largest yield at 259 bu/ac, it was fertilized once at the beginning of the season with the least amount of nitrogen and sulfur. The check plots produced as expected, with the smallest yield. These results showed that fertilizer rate and timing did not necessarily have the effect on the crop as expected. Perhaps, if we were able to take samples at the correct maturity yields would show differently.

Estimated dry matter (lbs) at 75% moisture.

Crude Protein: Due to the early harvest, only a basic feed analysis with crude protein (CP) was completed. Crude protein is the estimated total protein content in the feed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These results showed that, even with early harvesting, the crops produced acceptable yields. We saw that the check plots produced the lowest yields and one of the higher yielding plots was fertilized twice. All fertilized plots produced around average yields. The assumption is that with a few more weeks of maturing, the yield would have increased and perhaps more significant differences would be observed.