Nitrogen rate for corn continues to be an important financial input; one that is debated and studied. Farmers have the opportunity to see how different rates affect their corn yield by hosting a nitrogen rate trial for the University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences. Details of these on-farm trials are described below.

Farmers that apply nitrogen in the fall as well as those that spring apply nitrogen are welcome to participate. The rates of nitrogen to be applied are 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 pounds per acre. The previous crop can be either corn or soybean.

There needs to be three replications or strips of each rate, for a total of 15 strips across the field. Strips can be any reasonable size, from 8 to 16 rows wide by 300 to 1,000 feet long, as long as accurate rates can be applied and accurate yield measurements made.

Strips with nitrogen applied before planting (fall or spring application) will have to be in the same direction as the rows will be planted. Additional nitrogen, for example that in DAP (18-46-0) or MAP (11-52-0), can be used, as long as rates don't exceed 35 to 40 pounds of nitrogen.

Manure should not have been applied to the field in the past ten years. Other corn inputs (hybrid, tillage, herbicide, insecticide, etc.) are the farmer's decision. Farm cooperators will receive a payment for each trial completed.