The benefits of the PSNT on making more efficient use of N supplied by soil and fertilizer are already well documented. Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations based on the PSNT are generally reduced about one-third, on average, compared to growers' usual practice. Growers have become aware of the potential benefits of at-harvest stalk N testing as a result of Cooperative Extension meetings. More growers will likely adopt the practice once the methods and interpretation are further developed and presented in the form of a fact sheet. If their stalk samples consistently do not test near the optimum range for N, they should be prepared to make appropriate adjustments in their N-fertility program.
Growers are more likely to adopt a practice if it can be made simpler and easier to perform.
Procedures to evaluate sweet corn N status in the field should be investigated. Possibilities include extraction of sap from the stalk and analysis for nitrate in the field or the use of a leaf chlorophyll meter. These meetings and presentations have been around the Northeast Region as well as at the 10th anniversary SARE conference in Austin in 1998. All rights Reserved. This site was created by Growing Design.