Continuous research is required to refine the current nitrogen (N) rate recommendation for corn (Zea Mays L.) in northern Louisiana.� Soil texture influences N dynamics within the soil profile and complicates the establishment of N fertilizer rate recommendation for corn.� This study was conducted to establish preplant N rate requirement of corn based on soil nitrate (NO₃) testing.� In 2013, 60 plots with a dimension of 9.1m-long x 4 rows were planted to corn on two different soil types:� Gigger silt loam and Sharkey clay.� Fifteen treatments consisting of preplant N rates ranging from 0 to 403 kg ha^-1 in 67 kg ha^-1 increments, different combinations of preplant and sidedress N rates (0-269, 67-202, 134-134, and 202-67 kg N ha^-1), and preplant N rates of 67 and 134 kg ha^-1 with sidedress application at rates based on yield goal + soil (NO₃) level and optical sensor readings were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications.� Soil samples collected at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm before planting and at harvest were analyzed for NO₃ content by 1 M KCl-extraction procedure followed by flow injection analysis method.� Grains collected at harvest using a plot combine harvester were used for yield determination. In previous years, corn planted on Sharkey clay soil required higher preplant N (at least 134 kg N ha^-1) and total N rates (302 kg N ha^-1) than on Gigger silt loam soil to maximize grain yield.� This was partly explained by soil NO₃ level; early season levels of soil NO₃ within the 0-30 cm on Sharkey clay (≈ 10 kg NO₃^- ha^-1) were found to be consistently lower than Gigger silt loam (≈ 35 kg NO₃ ha^-1).� In 2013, soil NO₃ at planting on Gigger silt loam averaged only 18 kg NO₃-N ha^-1 resulting in higher preplant N requirement than previous years (67 vs 134 kg N ha^-1); this when combined with 134 kg N ha^-1 application at V8 leaf stage had maximized grain yield (P<0.001). Our results demonstrated the value of integrating soil NO₃ testing in establishing preplant N rate recommendation for corn.�