The most profitable nitrogen rate depends on soil, rainfall, plant population, and cultural practices. The suggested rate for most of the state is 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre. In river bottoms or locations where yields of 130 bushels per acre or more are often produced or when corn is grown for silage, use 150 pounds per acre. When corn is irrigated, increase the rate to 200 pounds per acre. Reduce the rate by 20 to 30 pounds per acre when corn follows soybeans or other legumes in a rotation.
All nitrogen sources are equally effective for corn production when applied correctly.
Apply 30 to 40 pounds of nitrogen at planting. The best way is to band nitrogen 2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed or on the surface 2 inches to the side of the drill row. Another way is to apply it in a band over the row. If banded over the row, use the lower rate and have the band at least 8 inches wide, especially on sandy soil with a low buffer capacity. A broadcast application immediately before or after planting may be the most convenient way to apply nitrogen, but it is the least efficient.