Corn
From renewable fuels to high-quality feed, corn is one of the world’s most versatile crops. Quality corn production requires a well-balanced nutrient management program. Let's take a look at some of the key nutrients and how Tessenderlo Kerley liquid fertilizers provide benefit.
Nitrogen and Sulfur in High-Yielding Corn Production
Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are two essential nutrients required for producing high-yielding corn crops. Adequate nitrogen availability is critical to achieving optimal yields; however, efficiently managing nitrogen inputs can be challenging due to its susceptibility to various loss pathways, including leaching, volatilization, and denitrification.
Sulfur availability is also important, as it plays a key role in helping the plant utilize nitrogen efficiently and is a fundamental component in protein synthesis. Without sufficient sulfur, nitrogen use efficiency can be significantly reduced.
Thio-Sul® provides a reliable solution by delivering ammonium nitrogen and thiosulfate sulfur in a highly available liquid form, helping meet corn nutrient demands throughout the growing season. Thiosulfate sulfur is also recognized for its ability to perform as a nitrification inhibitor. When blended with other nitrogen sources, such as urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), and applied in a band at appropriate rates, thiosulfate can slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil. This helps reduce nitrogen losses from leaching and denitrification, keeping more nitrogen available for crop uptake and protecting a grower’s N investment.
Key product benefits of Thio-Sul include:
- Compatible with UAN and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) solutions in any ratio
- Flexible application options, including pre-plant, side dress, and fertigation to meet corn sulfur needs
- Registered nitrification inhibitor that helps maintain nitrogen availability to the crop
Potassium in Corn Nutrient Management
Potassium (K) is another cornerstone of a successful corn nutrient management program. It plays a vital role in several key plant functions, particularly in regulating water balance within the crop. By supporting proper water use, potassium can enhance drought tolerance and improve the plant’s overall stress response.
Because potassium is a positively charged nutrient (cation), it is less mobile in the soil and relies on adequate soil moisture for plant uptake through diffusion. As a result, dry soil conditions can limit potassium availability in-season and may require additional management strategies.
KTS (Potassium Thiosulfate) and K-Row 23 (Potassium and Sulfur) are highly available liquid sources of potassium and sulfur that provide flexibility in meeting corn’s nutrient demands throughout the season.
KTS (0-0-25-17S) is a high-analysis fertilizer that provides both potassium and thiosulfate sulfur. It is commonly recognized as a versatile liquid K source due to its flexibility across multiple application methods and its ability to deliver a concentrated supply of available potassium.
In addition to potassium, KTS supplies thiosulfate sulfur, a quickly available sulfur form that supports crop growth and complements nitrogen utilization. Similarly to Thio-Sul, the thiosulfate sulfur in KTS functions as a nitrification inhibitor. When blending KTS with UAN, proper compatibility guidelines should be followed to ensure product stability. Always reference the recommended blend charts and guidelines to maintain optimal performance and avoid solution issues.
K-Row 23 (0-0-23-8S) is an early-season potassium and sulfur solution formulated to be seed-safe, making it ideal for in-furrow or 2x2 starter fertilizer applications. Providing K and S early in the season supports strong root development and even emergence, helping establish a solid foundation for yield potential.
Additional benefits and application options for K-Row 23 include:
- Easily blends with APP solutions for starter fertilizer programs
- Well-suited for fertigation systems, offering flexible in-season application options
Late-Season Nitrogen Demand
As corn approaches the grain fill stage, nitrogen (N) demand increases significantly. If nitrogen availability is insufficient during this critical period, yield potential can be compromised. Even well-managed corn fertility programs can often benefit from supplemental nitrogen to support plant health and maximize grain development at this critical stage.
A highly effective way to meet this late-season demand is through foliar nitrogen applications. N-Sure is a foliar-safe, slow-release liquid nitrogen fertilizer formulated with 72% of its N in the slow release form. Fungicide applications are commonly made at tassel. N-Sure offers an excellent opportunity as a tank-mix partner in these foliar passes. The addition of nitrogen to a fungicide pass can help maintain healthy leaf tissue, support photosynthetic activity, and ultimately improve grain fill and yield outcomes.
Key benefits of N-Sure include:
- Highly foliar-safe nitrogen source, allowing for higher application rates with minimal to no risk of leaf burn or phytotoxicity
- 72% slow-release nitrogen form, reducing susceptibility to volatilization and leaching losses
- Flexible application options, including both foliar and soil-applied uses depending on program needs
Prevent Nitrogen Loss
Additional inputs of nitrogen can get expensive. Slow down the nitrification process by adding Thio-Sul®, KTS® and/or CaTs® to your blend.
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