Top Dressing Fertilizer For Maize: Why Timing Is Key
Top dressing fertilizer for maize works best when the timing is key; ie. when it is applied at the correct crop growth stage and at the recommended rate.
This is why: For maize, Urea application timing depends on an understanding of the key growth stages. As many crops reach top dressing timing, we look at the main requirements of the crop.
Top Dressing Fertilizer For Maize
Nitrogen applied at the 3-4 leaf stage with a broadcaster leaves nitrogen vulnerable to leaching when the crop does not require it.
Nitrogen – and other nutrients – are not taken up at a constant rate through the crop life. Therefore, the table below summarises the important growth stages and the amount of nitrogen in particular that the crop takes up at each stage.
What is happening in the crop?Kg of N taken upV1Crop emerging V3 stage3 leaf stage, crop established12 kg/ha NV6Growing point and tassle at ground level25 kg/ha NV8-V10Rapid top growth period80 kg/ha NV12The number of rows of kernels determined. Rapid nutrient uptake100 kg/ha NR1 140 kg/ha NR3Little further N uptake250 kg/ha NR6Physiologically mature
Applying at 3-4 leaf stage leaves probably a 4-6 week gap before the crop is really taking up the fertilizer. Even slow-release top dressing fertilizer for maize do not overcome this in trials that I have been involved with. This is especially true in seasons with well over 600mm of rainfall like we are experiencing now.
Nitrogen takes time to get into the crop. In most cases, the optimum is around the 8-10 leaf stage for top dressing fertilizer for maize. There were certainly a number of crops in the North Rift that I looked at last week that were getting short of nitrogen at this stage where topdressing was delayed.
Leaf Tests are a Crucial Guide
Do not forget, leaching has been significant this year with the high rainfall. This is why leaf tests (or leaf nutrient analysis) are an important tool to take a snapshot of what is happening inside the plant. They will also highlight other nutrients and I use them to guide:
Have I applied enough phosphate in the seedbed – do I need to change next year?
Is Boron at levels that might limit kernel numbers?
How much and how soon to apply nitrogen top dressing?
Comparing any trials in the field – has seedbed Boron or Zinc actually got into the plant and is it needed?
When we have decided how much top dressing fertilizer for maize to apply, consider splitting the application.
This reduces the risk of leaching;
Improves application timeliness;
As a general rule, the little-and-often approach means N is more efficiently taken up by the plant.
To see the logic of delaying nitrogen top dressing and look at the greatest risk of leaching in the early stages, we plotted the N uptake onto a growth stage chart.
Which Fertilizer is Best for Top Dressing Maize?
In recent years there has been a trend among maize growers to apply Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer to their crops in preference to Urea. The lower volatilization risk in dry soils and the perceived neutral effect on soil acidity has encouraged the trend, along with the subsidized price through the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).
But how accurate are these claims, and what is the best value approach for your crop? Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) contains 28% nitrogen typically and is rapidly and efficiently taken up by plants. The Nitrogen content is far lower than Urea however which contains 46% nitrogen, so the actual cost per Kg of Nitrogen is more expensive (calculations done with 2017 fertilizer bag prices):
CAN – Sh 1,900 per bag (14kg of N in a bag) = Sh 135 per Kg of Nitrogen
Urea – Sh 1,900 per bag (23kg of N in a bag) = Sh 82 per Kg of Nitrogen
We can see here that the Nitrogen in Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) costs 65% more than Urea because it is less concentrated. So even if some N is lost after applying Urea, it is still far less expensive than CAN. Applied in the right conditions to moist soils, losses are very small. In most soils the acidifying effect of Urea is minimal, and the Calcium in CAN is not in a form that is particularly available.
Simple calculation; CAN is currently 65% more expensive than Urea. And no appreciable liming value #independentagronomy pic.twitter.com/s1FdqJkZxf
— David Jones (@Kenya_Agron) January 14, 201
Maize Fertilizer Requirements Per Acre
Maize can easily achieve 9 tons/ha (40 bags per acre) with the right agronomy and adequate moisture, but it does require adequate nutrition to achieve this. The amount of fertilizer required is best calculated by multiplying the target yield in tons per hectare, by 20-25 Kg. For a 30 bag per acre crop this is 160 Kg of nitrogen.
Timing is final part of getting fertilizer right; DAP or a compound fertiliser at planting forms a good base for crop emergence, with the balance applied as urea as a topdressing. Soil Mineral Nitrogen testing can help too, by accounting for residual nitrogen in the soil profile.
And finally, top yields require accurate application. This can be discussed in detail with your CropNuts agronomy contact for independent agronomic advice.
When discussing types of fertilizer for Nitrogen topdressing you can always be sure of lots of debate about the merits of Urea vs Ammonium sources such as Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) .
Urea remains the least expensive form of Nitrogen at around 80 – 90 Kes per kilo of N compared to around 115 – 135 kes in CAN (depends on the volatility of fertilizer bag prices). But what are the likely volatilization losses, and is it possible to go some way predicting this?
Firstly, there is actually surprisingly more data out there than you might imagine given the intensity of the Urea vs CAN debate. The problem is, very little of this work has been carried out in Africa, in our conditions. Should we be worried?
The losses of ammonia measured in a GRDC trial in Australia in liquid fertilizer is summarized in the graph and shows what can happen over 5 days of unfavourable conditions – losses topped out at nearly 30% of the total N applied in the Urea. Ammonium Sulphate lost only around 5% of its nitrogen.
Some very extensive work was carried out in the UK by ADAS in the 1980s which concluded that Urea was only a few percent less efficient that Ammonium Nitrate in most conditions.
More recent work suggests that while urease inhibitors and controlled release fertilisers do work effectively, the overriding views of independent researchers that I speak to is that losses from untreated urea are rarely large enough to make a coating / inhibitor worthwhile.
Looking at recent GRDC work in Australia the consensus is that a maximum of 20% of applied N is lost from Urea, and usually far less (link at the bottom).
That said, in the real world there are often practical reasons for using them as we cannot always spread large acreages in perfect conditions, and if the weather forecast is wrong having some protection on the urea to reduce losses it very desirable.
A study in Brazil showing how urea losses can be mitigated by using an inhibitor or side dressing 2cm deep
Ultimately it comes down to an individual farmer's perception of risk, and farmers should remember that if you happen to be on alkaline soils they behave much differently, as research from Canada highlights.
Factors Affecting Volatilization Losses In Top Dressing Fertilizer
High soil temperatures
Low rainfall
Moist soil surface that breaks down prills, then dries out
Lots of surface residue
High soil pH
Organic Matter (correlation with Urease enzyme activity so faster conversion to ammonia)
Windy conditions
High lime content on the soil surface (chalk soils)
6°C difference in soil temp where no residue cover! Will influence seedbed moisture, germination and how urea fert performs pic.twitter.com/AHoq5cNVRz
— David Jones (@Kenya_Agron) January 25, 2017
So in summary, don’t be afraid of applying urea fertilizer to maize but if you have large acreages to spread and conditions go against you, consider a urease inhibitor or controlled release product. Just don't expect big improvements in most conditions.
How To Apply Top Dressing Fertilizer For Maize
Broadcaster / spinner
Pros
+ Fast and accurate
+ Minimises wheelings and therefore compaction
Cons
– Needs to be tray tested to get the spread pattern right
– Requires good quality fertiliser to get the spread
– Prills or granules can land in the leaf whorl and burn the plant
– Three point linkage on smaller tractors may not be sufficient to get the spreader to the correct height above the crop.
Side dresser with drop pipe
Pros
+ Accurate – no issue with spread pattern
+ No fertiliser prills/granules falling into leaf whorls and causing damage
Cons
-More wheelings and compaction
-Slow work rate
Side dresser injected
Pros
+ Far less risk of volatilisation with urea products
+ Accurate, and you only have to do in between every other row
Cons
-Slow work rate
-Soil disturbance, especially in notill situations. Also disrupts the herbicide layer.
Foliar urea
Pros
+ Fast and no leaching losses
+ Can combine with a fungicide in many cases
+ Often see yield responses above even a high topdressing dose. Very useful if topdressing has leached
Cons
– Prone to scorch and leaf damage
-Requires high clearance sprayer
-Requires some basic equipment to mix the product
Whatever you do, always try to apply a double and a nil (half rate) rate strip to understand the response that the crop is giving you.
When a farmer in Kitale, Kenya ran out labour, he decided to turn an old lime spreader into a fertilizer top dressing spreader machine. Brilliant!
Choosing A Fertilizer Spreader For Maize Top Dressing
I reckon that our broadacre clients typically spend between Ksh. 4,000 (USD 40) and Ksh. 11,000 (USD 110) per hectare on topdressing fertilizer for maize, wheat or barley. When you consider the value of the fertilizer that we spread each single season, it is often greater than the value of the machine that we use to apply it.
On top of this, there are so many different grades of the fertilizers available to do the same job; different prill sizes and qualities, nitrogen and sulphur blends for example, that can allow savings in time and money – if they can be spread accurately.
Choosing the correct fertilizer spreader can open up possibilities for the material you spread, and importantly can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently when the application window is right…
Spreading width
This will normally depend on tramline width, but a high quality material such as Yara’s Amidas or ETG’s Kynoplus will happily spread to over 40 metres. Lower quality Ammonium Sulphate and Urea on the other hand is a much less expensive way of buying sulphur, but will require two passes and the AS will struggle to spread even 12 metres.
Hopper size
An important consideration for larger farms, as the option of buying in bulk 1 ton bags will soon become a reality.
Auto section shut-off
The smaller the fields and the more short work you have, the more this will pay you back in reducing overlaps and also minimizing lodging on the headlands. Everyone talks about the pros and cons of Urea vs Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizers and volatilization etc. In reality many farmers can improve their efficiency far more by spreading their fertilizer correctly!!! Accurate section control also avoids under-application on the headlands; the largest part of the field.
Weigh cell
On-the-move calibration allows lower quality materials to be used, because even when the density changes the spreader adjusts and still applies the same amount. The real top-end machines have torque-sensing on the disc shafts that detect the amount of fertilizer on the disc and adjusts the position of the fertilizer falling onto the disc to maintain the spread pattern.
Forced feed
Bredal have a very good forced metering system using a small belt to deliver the fertilizer right onto the discs. Great for slightly variable quality fertilizer where the odd lump or damp bag needs some help to get through the machine evenly.
Isobus
Plug-and-go into the tractor controls is a must for section control and allows variable rate application plans to be fed into the machine – something that the very best performers are already doing.
Fill height
Often forgotten, but making a machine easy to fill can save hours when there is a short window to apply the fertiliser and you are re-filling every 20 minutes. High fill spreaders are great with tractor loaders and handlers, but it is amazing how often you see cracks in the frame where operators drop them right onto the ground to get the hopper low enough.
Maximum spread height
An important consideration for topdressing tall crops such as Sunflowers!
Hydraulic drive
Easy to couple up to the tractor with no PTO, and more precise disc speed and spread pattern over hilly terrain.
Top Tip – our trials are continually highlighting the need to feed wheat and barley early with a small dose of nitrogen, at the 2-3 leaf stage. Unlike much of the advice taken from Northern Europe for example we plant into warm soils with 12 hours of daylight, and tiller numbers are laid down early. For our agronomy clients this has implications for fertilizer strategies, and topdressing capabilities may require a rethink on some farms.
[Effect of long-term application of NPK fertilizer on maize yield and yellow soil nutrients sustainability in Guizhou, China]
A long-term fertilization field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer on maize relative yield, yield-increasing effect and the changes of nutrients in yellow soil in Guizhou Province. Five fertilizer combinations were evaluated, including balanced fertilization (NPK) and nutrient deficiency treatments (N, NK, NP, and PK). The maize relative yield, contribution efficiency of N, P, K fertilizer application, sustainability index of soil N, P, K nutrients, and other indicators were measured. The results revealed that the balanced fertilization (NPK) significantly increased maize yield, and the average yield under each treatment ranked as: NPK>NP>NK>PK>CK. The contribution efficiency and agronomic efficiency of N, P, K fertilizer application was N>P>K. The fertilization dependence was ranked as: combined application of N, P and K>N>P>K. But in the lack of P treatment (NK), the maize relative yield significantly decreased at a speed of 1.4% per year, with the contribution efficiency and fertilization dependence of applied P significantly increasing at a speed of 2.3% per year and 1.4% per year, respectively. Over time, the effect of P fertilizer on maize yield gradually became equal to that of N fertilizer. The pH and soil organic matter content were the lowest in the P-lack treatment (NK), while they were higher in the N-lack treatment (PK). The application of chemical P significantly improved the sustainability index of soil P, but the application of chemical N and K did not significantly change the sustainability index of soil N and K nutrients compared to the N- and K-lack treatments, respectively. In summary, the use of balanced fertilizer application is critical for achieving high maize yield in typical yellow soil regions in Guizhou Province. P and N fertilizers are equally important for improving maize yield, and long-term application of unbalanced chemical fertilizer, especially the lack of P, would not benefit the sustainable use of nutrients in yellow soil.
How to Apply Liquid Fertilizer on Maize – Foliar Garden
Applying liquid fertilizer to maize is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. First, you will need to purchase a quality liquid fertilizer from your local gardening store. Next, you will need to till the soil in your garden bed where you would like to plant the maize.
Once the soil is loose and free of debris, you can simply apply the liquid fertilizer around the base of each plant. Be sure to evenly distribute the fertilizer so that each plant receives an equal amount. Finally, water the plants thoroughly so that the fertilizer can be absorbed into the roots.
Before applying liquid fertilizer, make sure the maize plants are well-watered
Apply the fertilizer around the base of each plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves
Water the plants thoroughly after applying the fertilizer, to help it soak in
How Do You Apply Liquid Fertilizer?
To apply liquid fertilizer, you will need a garden hose with an attached sprayer nozzle. Fill the sprayer reservoir with your chosen fertilizer solution and screw on the lid. Then, turn on the water at the spigot and adjust the valve to control the flow of liquid fertilizer.
Next, point the nozzle towards your plants and squeeze the trigger to start spraying. Be sure to move the nozzle around so that all sides of each plant are evenly coated with fertilizer. When you’re finished applying fertilizer, turn off the valve at the spigot and unscrew the lid from the sprayer so that any remaining solution can drain out.
How Do You Use Liquid Fertilizer on Corn?
When using liquid fertilizer on corn, it is best to apply it when the corn is at least knee-high. This ensures that the roots are able to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer. If possible, applying the fertilizer when the corn is tasseling or silking will give it an extra boost of nutrients that can help with yield.
To apply liquid fertilizer, you will need to use a backpack sprayer or a tank and pump system. Fill your sprayer or tank with half water and half fertilizer, then mix thoroughly. Be sure to check the pressure on your sprayer before beginning to ensure even coverage.
When you are ready to apply, start at one end of the field and work in a zigzag pattern until you have covered the entire area. Try to avoid getting any on leaves or stems, as this can cause burning.
Is Liquid Fertilizer Good for Maize?
Yes, liquid fertilizer is good for maize. Maize is a heavy feeder and benefits from the extra nutrients that liquid fertilizer provides. Liquid fertilizer also helps to keep the leaves of the plant green and healthy, which is important for photosynthesis.
How Do You Use Foliar Fertilizer in Maize?
Foliar fertilizer can be used on maize to improve the nutrient uptake of the plant. It is applied as a spray to the leaves and stalk of the plant. Foliar fertilizer should be applied when the plant is actively growing, typically during the vegetative growth stage.
The amount of foliar fertilizer that should be applied will vary depending on the specific product and directions from the manufacturer.
A Fertilizer that boosts your maize yield to 30 bags per acre – Part 1
How Much Liquid Fertilizer Per Acre for Corn
There are a number of variables to consider when determining how much liquid fertilizer per acre is needed for corn. Factors such as the type of corn, the age of the plants, and the soil conditions can all affect the amount of fertilizer required. In general, however, it is recommended that farmers apply 20-30 gallons of liquid fertilizer per acre of corn.
This amount can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the plants and soil.
Best Liquid Fertilizer for Corn
As the weather warms up and the growing season approaches, farmers across the country are preparing their fields for planting. One of the most important decisions they’ll make is what type of fertilizer to use. There are many different types of fertilizers on the market, but not all of them are equally effective on corn.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best liquid fertilizers for corn and discuss how to choose the right one for your needs. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fertilizer is the nitrogen content. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and development, so it’s important to choose a fertilizer that contains a high percentage of nitrogen.
Another factor to consider is whether you want an organic or synthetic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials like manure and compost, while synthetic fertilizers are made from chemicals. There are pros and cons to both types of fertilizers, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
Once you’ve decided on the type of fertilizer you want to use, it’s time to choose a brand. There are many different brands available, so it’s important to read reviews and compare prices before making your final decision.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Maize?
There are many different types of fertilizer that can be used on maize, but not all of them are created equal. So, what is the best fertilizer for maize? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of soil you have, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences.
However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you choose the best fertilizer for your maize crop. First, it’s important to select a fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and it helps promote growth.
A high-nitrogen fertilizer will help your maize plants grow taller and produce more ears of corn. Second, you'll want to choose a fertilizer that contains other important nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients are also essential for plant growth and will help ensure that your crops are healthy and productive.
Finally, it's also important to consider the timing of when you apply fertilizer to your maize crop. For example, if you live in an area with a short growing season, you’ll want to fertilize your plants early so they have time to absorb the nutrients before winter arrives. On the other hand, if you live in an area with a long growing season, you can wait until later in the season to fertilize your plants so they continue to receive nutrients throughout their growing cycle.
No matter what type of fertilizer you choose or when you apply it, following these guidelines will help ensure that your maize crop receives the nutrients it needs to thrive!
How to Apply Npk Fertilizer on Maize
When it comes to maize, or corn as it's also known, applying NPK fertilizer is vital to ensure a good yield. Maize is a heavy feeder and responds well to high levels of nutrients, so applying NPK compound fertilizer at planting time and throughout the growing season is essential. Here are some tips on how to apply NPK fertilizer to maize:
1. At planting time, mix the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before you plant the seeds. For example, if you’re using 20-10-10 fertilizer, mix 2 pounds (907 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) of garden bed. 2. Apply additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as urea or ammonium sulfate every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
This will help promote growth and prevent yellowing of the leaves due to nitrogen deficiency. 3. If your plants start to show signs of phosphorus deficiency such as purple coloring on the leaves, apply a phosphate-rich fertilizer like superphosphate or triple superphosphate at half the recommended rate. side dressings of these fertilizers can also be applied around the base of each plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season .
Varying your sources of NPK fertilizers will give your maize plants everything they need for optimal growth and yields!
Liquid Fertilizer for Corn
Corn is a demanding crop when it comes to nutrients, especially nitrogen. Nitrogen is required for corn to produce the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis and also helps with stalk and ear development. While nitrogen is an important element in any fertilizer program, using the wrong type of nitrogen fertilizer can result in significant losses to the environment and your pocketbook.
Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most popular forms of liquid nitrogen fertilizer used on corn. However, anhydrous ammonia has some serious drawbacks. Anhydrous ammonia is highly corrosive and can damage equipment if not handled properly.
It is also very volatile, meaning that it can easily convert from a liquid to a gas form and drift away from where you applied it. This results in what’s called “volatilization loss” which can be as high as 30%. Not only are you losing fertilizers dollars by paying for product that isn’t being used by your crop, but this excess nitrification can pollute our air and water resources.
So what's a grower to do? One option is urea ammonium nitrate (UAN). UAN has a lower risk of volatilization because it contains urea, which acts as a stabilizer.
This means that more of the applied nitrogen will be available for your crop to use instead of drifting away into the atmosphere.
Recommended Fertilizer Dose for Maize
If you're looking to give your maize crop a boost, you may be wondering how much fertilizer to use. Here’s a quick guide on the recommended fertilizer dose for maize. Maize is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients to reach its full potential.
The ideal fertilizer application rate for maize is 200-250 kg/ha of nitrogen, 50-75 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 50-75 kg/ha of potassium. This should be applied in two or three split applications throughout the growing season. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines – your specific situation may vary depending on factors such as soil type and fertility, weather conditions, and the age and health of your plants.
Always consult with a local agriculture extension agent or other experts before applying any fertilizers to your crops.
Fertilizer Application in Maize Production
Fertilizer application in maize production pdf Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world, and nitrogen fertilizer is essential for its production. However, nitrogen fertilizer can also be a major source of environmental pollution.
This report provides an overview of the use of nitrogen fertilizer in maize production, and discusses the options for reducing its impact on the environment. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, and it is typically applied to crops as a fertilizer. In 2015-16, global nitrogen fertilizer consumption was estimated at 186 million tonnes – around two-thirds of which was used on cereals, including maize (FAO, 2017).
The majority of this nitrogen fertilizer is applied in the form of urea (CO(NH2)2), which is highly soluble and can easily leach into groundwater or runoff into surface waters. Once in the environment, nitrate can have a range of impacts on human health and ecosystems. For example, high concentrations of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful to human health, particularly for infants (WHO, 2012).
Nitrate pollution can also lead to eutrophication – a process where excessive nutrients stimulate the growth of aquatic plants and algae, leading to oxygen depletion and potentially causing fish kills (EEA, 2013). In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the need to reduce the environmental impacts of nitrogen fertilizers. A number ways to do this have been proposed or implemented, including: altering farming practices; changing crop varieties; improving fertilizers themselves; using alternative sources of nitrogen; managing livestock manure better; capturing emissions from animal agriculture; treating wastewater before it enters rivers or lakes; restoring natural habitats that remove pollutants from water; creating buffer zones between cropland and sensitive areas; regulating agricultural inputs; pricing carbon dioxide emissions properly.
Maize Fertilizer Requirements Per Hectare
The maize crop is a demanding one when it comes to fertilizer requirements. This article provides detailed information on what is required per hectare in order to achieve a successful yield. The first thing to consider is the soil type.
Different soils will have different nutrient needs and so it’s important to get a soil test done before applying any fertilizer. Once you know the results of the soil test, you can then work out how much of each nutrient your crop will need. Nitrogen is typically the most important element for maize, and you will need to apply around 150-250 kg per hectare.
Phosphorus and potassium are also essential nutrients for this crop, and you should aim for 50-100 kg/ha and 60-120 kg/ha respectively. Sulfur is another key element, particularly if your soil is deficient in this mineral. A rate of 30-50 kg/ha should be enough to correct any deficiency.
micronutrients such as zinc and manganese are also important for maize growth, so make sure these are up to scratch before planting your crop. With the right amount of fertilizer, your maize crop will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest!
Conclusion
If you're looking to give your maize plants a boost, liquid fertilizer is a great option. It’s easy to apply and can make a big difference in the health of your plants. Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill a watering can or other container with water and add the recommended amount of fertilizer.
2. Stir well to mix everything together.
3. Apply the fertilizer solution to your plants, being careful not to get any on the leaves or stems. Focus on getting it onto the soil around the base of each plant.
4. Water as usual after applying liquid fertilizer, making sure to wet the soil around each plant thoroughly.
