Optimizing Corn Yields with Nitrate and Tissue Testing

Why Sample for Nitrogen in Late Spring?

Late spring is a pivotal moment for in-season nitrogen applications. With corn rapidly accumulating biomass, your nutrient decisions during this window directly influence final yield. Here’s why nitrogen sampling now pays off:

Fine-Tune Your Nitrogen Rate

Instead of relying on generalized recommendations or outdated assumptions, late spring nitrate testing lets you calibrate your nitrogen rate based on actual field conditions. This ensures you’re applying just enough—no more, no less—for optimum crop performance and cost efficiency.

Use Real-Time, Field Specific Data

Predictive models often rely on historical averages that may not reflect this season’s unique weather patterns or crop progress. Our soil and tissue tests provide real-time snapshots of nitrogen availability, enabling precise, in-season decisions aligned with current crop needs.

Avoid Overapplication and Stay Compliant

Excess nitrogen doesn’t just waste money—it can also leach into water supplies and contribute to regulatory headaches. Our program helps you apply only what’s needed, supporting both your bottom line and your environmental stewardship goals.

Inside the SMART-N Program

Designed for split nitrogen applications like side-dressing or supplemental nitrogen on manured fields, the SMART-N Program ensures your crop gets the right nitrogen dose at the right time.

How It Works:

• Soil samples (12″ depth) are taken just days before your side-dress pass—giving you fresh data when it matters most.

• Sampling is done on either a 4.4-acre grid or 10-acre grid, depending on field size and logistics.

• To ensure accurate results, we vary our sampling path across rows and avoid sampling from the same injection band—eliminating the risk of hitting nitrogen “hot spots.”

Samples are analyzed for Nitrate (ppm) or Ammonium-N, depending on your fertility strategy. Based on these results, we deliver either:

• A Variable Rate Nitrogen Recommendation, or

• A Flat Rate Recommendation, based on your preferences.

And yes—variable rate prescriptions are included at no extra charge.

Why Split Nitrogen Applications Work

Split-N strategies are widely recommended by agronomists and researchers—and for good reason:

• Improved Efficiency: Corn demands the most nitrogen during its rapid vegetative growth. Side-dress applications ensure nutrients are available when uptake is highest.

• Reduced Nitrogen Loss: Applying all nitrogen early increases the risk of leaching or volatilization. Split applications help protect your investment from unpredictable weather.

• Higher Yields: Multiple studies confirm that split-N programs often outperform single-pass applications—especially in variable or wet spring conditions.

Timing Is Everything

With the SMART-N Program, we move fast so you can act fast. Soil samples are collected just before side-dressing, and lab results are prioritized for rapid turnaround. That means your nitrogen decisions are based on the most current, accurate data available—not last week’s weather or last year’s model.

Take Control of Your Yield Potential

Optimizing nitrogen use isn’t just good science—it’s smart business. Deveron’s SMART-N Program helps you apply nitrogen more efficiently, reduce waste, meet regulatory requirements, and, most importantly, boost corn yields.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your nitrogen program?
Get in touch today to learn how our late spring nitrate and tissue testing can deliver smarter, more profitable results for your fields.