Maize (Zea-maize L.) Grain Yield Response to Nitrogen Applied at Different Distances Away From the Row.

Traditionally midseason fertilizer nitrogen (N) applications in corn are placed down the center of a 76 cm row, making the distance of application 38 cm from the plant.  This study was conducted to determine maize grain yield response to N placed at varying distances from the row.  Nitrogen rates were 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha^-1 placed at distances of 10, 20, and 30 cm from the row.  The effects of N placement (distance) from the row was investigated at the R.L. Westerman Irrigation Research Facility near Stillwater, Oklahoma on a Port-Oscar silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, super active, thermic Cumulic Haplustolls), and at Hennessey, Oklahoma on a Bethany silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Pachic Paleustolls).  Maize yields were dependent upon N rate and the distance N was applied away from  the row.  Higher N rates (90 and 134 kg N ha-1) resulted in significantly higher yields the closer the N was placed to the row.