N application to corn both at planting and preplant can optimize farm work. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of split supplemental nitrogen applications on leaf N content and corn yield, two years after soybean crop, in a sandy clay loam soil and quantify N recovery using isotopic dilution (15N). The treatments consisted of 110 kg ha-1 nitrogen applied at different times: at planting; 5 days preplant; sidedress (5-7 leaves); and sidedress (9-10 leaves). Difference was found for corn yield and leaf content of N, phosphorus, calcium and sulphur when supplemental nitrogen was applied after planting in different times compared with no supplemental application. Split application of 110 kg ha-1 N between preplant and sidedress or sidedress only did not affect total N recovery. The recovery of nitrogen from sidedress ammonium sulfate was higher than from urea. Split of sidedress ammonium sulfate led to higher N recovery than a single application.
Nitrogen recovery; preplant; time of application; Zea mays
