Fertilizing Corn

Abstract

• Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for corn production.
• Apply nitrogen fertilizers at rates based on expected crop yields minus credits for residual soil nitrates, estimated nitrogen mineralized from soil organic matter, previous legume crop residues and manure or other organic wastes, and nitrogen present in irrigation water.
• Apply phosphate and zinc fertilizers at rates based on soil test results.
• Most Colorado soils contain sufficient available potassium and sulfur for corn production.