Key Points
- Objective: To evaluate the yield and economic impact of implementing different nitrogen rates, ranging from 100 to 300 lbs of nitrogen.
- Hitting the Optimum: In 2025, the agronomic optimum was reached when applying 300 lbs of nitrogen, while 150 lbs of nitrogen was the economic optimum.
- Nitrogen Where It’s Needed: Conceal is a planter fertility attachment that is cleanly tucked into the row unit and places nutrition in the soil 3 inches away from the seed.
Which nitrogen application rate during planting produces the highest yield and economic impact?
To answer that question, we took to the PTI Farm using a 3-way split application approach with 25% of the total nitrogen applied as Weed-N-Feed broadcast, 25% at-plant through dual band Conceal, and 50% at V9 side-dress.
Conceal places nitrogen in a high concentration dual or single band positioned 3” away from the seed trench in depths near 1.5” while utilizing a backswept knife within the center of the planter’s gauge wheels. Nitrogen is sealed within the soil profile as it is applied, preventing volatilization losses that are typical with surface-type nitrogen applications.
Nitrogen Rate Study Results
In 2025, the agronomic optimum was reached when applying 300 lbs. of nitrogen. However, 150 lbs. of nitrogen was the economic optimum. Applying 150 lbs. may have resulted in a -10.5 Bu/A loss, but had a positive return of +$14.64/A.
While higher rates of nitrogen prove the best yield results, farmers must weigh the costs associated with it and tailor their nitrogen application accordingly.
Study Details
Study data collected 2025 at the PTI Farm in Pontiac, IL.
| Planting Date | April 23rd | Rotation | CAC |
| Row Width | 30" | Population | 36K |
| Corn Price | $4.13 | Hybrid | Wyffels 7878SS |
| N Price: | $0.58/# |
