Protect Against Nitrogen Loss & Eliminate The Need For Side-Dressing

This on-going study in Southern Illinois demonstrates that a single application of ESN can perform the same task as the recommended BMP of side-dressing nitrogen (N). The study has been conducted at multiple locations for three years. Corn was planted in late April to mid May. Pre-plant N applications were broadcast before planting and incorporated with final tillage operations. Side-dress UAN was injected in mid to late June. The greatest advantage of ESN and side-dressing UAN was observed in the wettest years as would be expected.

 Figure 1. Average Across Seven Site-Years (S. Illinois, 2003-2005) And Four N Rates Per Site-Year. Conventional Tillage
Source: Dr. Stephen Ebelhar, University of Illinois and Dr. Edward Varsa and Dr. Jorge Hernandez, S. Illinois University – Carbondale.

As in the Illinois study, Kansas research results also show a single ESN application at planting yields as well as or better than split application of conventional N sources. In this no-till study all applications were applied on the surface without incorporation. ESN was broadcast at planting. For the ’80 + 80’ applications, 80 lbs N/acre was broadcast at planting (the ‘UAN dribble’ treatment was applied as a dribble band at planting) followed by an additional 80 lbs N/acre banded on the surface at the V4 growth stage. Corn was planted in late April.

Figure 2. Average Of Two Locations, Kansas 2003-2004. Irrigated No-Till Corn.
Source: Dr. Barney Gordon, Kansas State University.