corn plant

How to Identify and Avoid Nitrogen Loss

January 06, 2022 3:30 a.m.

There is no denying that nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop production and an adequate supply is required for the proper growth of corn. Protecting you or your customer's nitrogen fertilizer investment is important for a healthy crop and return, that starts by identify and avoiding nitrogen loss.

Benefits of Nitrogen

Nitrogen plays a critical role in corn growth. It supports corn’s rapid growth and encourages the healthy development of the entire plant from roots to ears. Nitrogen is present in various parts of a plant and affects many physiological functions. For example, nitrogen is a significant component of the amino acids in the proteins and enzymes that help roots absorb nutrients and water. It makes up a large part of the chlorophyll found in plants, which is used to make sugars that feed the plant. In addition, nitrogen impacts plant growth regulation as well as the development of proteins present in a crop's grains.

Causes of Nitrogen Loss

Denitrification occurs when soil bacteria use nitrate for their respiration in place of oxygen in the air. This process occurs more rapidly in warm, wet soils that contain an abundance of nitrates. Soils can experience a 5-35 percent loss rate.

Leaching, or washing away. Nitrogen is highly mobile in the soil; nitrate leaching occurs when the nitrates are washed from the soil in drainage water. Nitrogen is more prone to leaching when soil is wet and pore spaces are saturated.

Volatilization is caused when nitrogen sources, such as urea, convert from their organic form to ammonia gases that are then released into the atmosphere. Volatilization most commonly occurs in warm moist soils when the urea is on or close to the soil surface. Volatilization is reduced when manure and urea fertilizers are applied when soil and air temperatures are cool, or when rain occurs soon after application.

Signs and Symptoms of Nitrogen Deficiency in Corn

Nitrogen deficiency in corn can be hard to recognize early in the growing season. However, throughout the plant’s development, corn nitrogen deficiency becomes more visible through pale green leaves and thin stems. Other nitrogen deficiency symptoms are:

  • V-patterned yellowing of the leaves
  • Poorly filled small ears
  • Glossy kernels due to lack of proteins and excessive fats
nitrogen deficient corn plant  

Photo credit: University of Minnesota Extension

How to Avoid Nitrogen Loss

Knowing how to identify and avoid nitrogen loss is important. Now, cut losses to the atmosphere, help ensure nitrogen moves to the root zone, and protect your fertilizer investment with N-Edge® Pro. This new solution contains two proven active ingredients NBPT and DCE, providing both above and below ground protection from nitrogen loss. 

For more information on N-Edge Pro and the full N-Edge portfolio, visit CHSAgronomy.com or talk to your local CHS Agronomy retailer.

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