Nitrogen recommendations for corn: An on-the-go sensor compared with current recommendation methods

Precision agriculture technologies provide the capability to spatially vary N fertilizer applied to corn (Zea mays L.), potentially improving N use efficiency. The focus of this study was to evaluate the potential of improving N recommendations based on crop canopy reflectance. Corn was grown at four field sites in each of 2 yr in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Preplant treatments included: zero fertilizer, 56 kg N ha^-1, and manure. Split-plot treatments included the following N sidedress rates as NH₄NO ₃: 0, 22, 45, 90, 135, 180, and 280 kg N ha^-1, and one at-planting N rate of 280 kg N ha^-1. Light energy reflectance (590 and 880 nm), chlorophyll meter (SPAD) measurements, and the presidedress NO ₃ test (PSNT) results were obtained at sidedress. The late-season stalk NO₃ (LSSN) test was determined. The economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) was determined based on grain yield response to sidedress N rates. Relative green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) and relative SPAD were based on relative measurements from the zero sidedress treatment to the 280 kg N ha^-1 at-planting treatment. The EONR from 24 preplant treatment-site combinations was related to relative GNDVI (R² = 0.76), the PSNT (R² = 0.78), relative SPAD (R² = 0.72), and the LSSN test (R² = 0.64), suggesting that relative GNDVI was as good an indicator of EONR as these other, more conventional tests. Because relative GNDVI can be obtained simultaneously with a sidedress N fertilizer application, the potential to accommodate within-field spatial and season-to-season temporal variability in N availability should improve N management decisions for corn production.