Is side-dressing your corn worth the work?

Side-dressing equipment and technology is emerging to help farmers improve yield. But is it worth the investment in time and equipment? A team of field crop agents from across the state worked together to answer this question.

In this video we take you to commercial farms, demonstrate side-dressing equipment and show you the results of our replicated research trial.

Treatments at all sites:

1) 0 lbs N

2) 150 lbs N pre-plant

3) 150 lbs N sub-surface center applied with coulter;

4) 150 lbs N surface dribble 4-6” from the corn stalk (Ydrop)

Results:

The results showed that the Coulter and Y-drop were significantly similar in yield. While the Pre-plant treatment yielded significantly less. This site showed that split applications increase yield and that coulter and y-drop applications are similar.

We are continuing this project in 2021 funded by the North Carolina Corn Growers Association and are planning to hold small, in-person field days. Contact any of the agents in the video above for details.