Without question, the need for nitrogen is prominent in the late growth stages of corn growth. The way the corn plants receive that nitrogen directly affects the way the plant matures and the yield outcome at harvest time. Let’s break down the science of side dress.

What is side dress?

Side dress is a band application of desired fertilizer between the rows of the crop growing in the field, supplying just what the plant needs, when it needs it. This is done using a fertilizer applicator that is adjusted so the fertilizer band is far enough away from the crop row to avoid any damage to the plant or its roots. 

Side Dress Application Timing

Growers may side dress at any time after planting through tasseling. If there was no nitrogen applies prior to or at planting, side dressing should take place before the V5 growth stage, or 5 leaves, to ensure enough nitrogen is available for the developing seedlings. Additional nitrogen applied throughout the growing season can determine the number of ears and ear size as the plant matures. Conducting a pre-side dress soil nitrate test (PSNT) about a week prior to side dressing will provide the information needed to make a well informed decision on the need for supplemental nitrogen in the growing season, after the corn has grown six to twelve inches tall.

Nitrogen Stabilizers for Side Dressing

CHS Agronomy offers its N-Edge portfolio of nitrogen stabilizer products to guard nitrogen and protect potential yields.

Use of N-Edge products can help protect against nitrogen loss is especially critical during these situations:

• When fertilizer is applied, especially to moist soils.
• Under high crop residue such as reduced or no-till conditions.
• When warm temperatures, high soil pH, and other weather and field challenges lead to increased nitrogen loss at or near the soil surface.

The latest product in the line-up, N-Edge® Pro is an NBPT and DCD combination nitrogen stabilizer that provides protection against volatility leaching and denitrification in both below and above ground applications.

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