Side dress is a way to apply inputs between the rows of already-growing crops. Instead of broadcasting the application over the entire field, a side dress places nutrients close to the roots.
As growers, what do we need to know about side dress? Consider these three points:
- Timing is everything
Like so many things in life, the timing of the side dress matters! Side dressing works for nutrient adjustment during the growing season, so crops can get what they need in the times they need it. This is particularly important for nitrogen, which can often be lost through leaching, volatilization, and runoff.
By watching the growth and performing soil tests, growers can find the right timing and rate of application. By doing it carefully, this approach reduces waste and maximizes nutrient uptake by the crop. At AgroLiquid, we’re happy to help you look at your soil test results and see what products would work best for your specific needs.
Check out our study Fertilizer Programs for Corn Silage. This trial evaluated a corn silage nutrition program developed based on soil test reports and grower yield goals, compared to a grower standard program.
2. Placement matters
Side dressing places nutrients close to the active root zone, which helps with absorption and reduces loss. This is always important, but it’s even more important during periods of fast growth when the nutrient demand is high. Though broadcasting sometimes doesn’t cause problems, side dress applications puts nutrients in a localized area, making them completely available to the crop. Picture spraying a hose over a garden vs. watering each plant at the base. It’s a specific, precise application. AgroLiquid products work well with side dress applications, since the liquid can provide a uniform nutrient distribution.
See our research: Nitrogen Product and Enhancement Comparison. This study evaluated the effectiveness of AgroLiquid’s High NRG-N compared to 28% UAN, and also examined the impact of adding accesS to UAN in corn.
3. Get flexible
Weather and market conditions are always changing…and so can farming practices. Side dress application provides the flexibility to adjust nutrient inputs based on your current needs. Maybe you’re looking at nitrogen deficiencies after a heavy rain, or you’re supplementing potassium during a growth stage – in many situations, side dress application lets you quickly respond. Plus, when side dress application is paired with soil testing, it is an even more precise way to manage nutrients. nutrient management.
In our High Management Corn Nutritional study, we evaluated the yield and economic impact of a corn liquid starter fertilizer and foliar
nutritional program in an irrigated environment.
Side dress application is an approach that uses timing, strategic placement, and management that can adapt to variable conditions. By tailoring nutrient application to crop needs, growers can deliver inputs directly to the root – while still remaining flexible in response to changing conditions. Backed by AgroLiquid’s research and support, these three points help growers improve their crop performance.
For more resources, see:
- AgroLiquid side dress research – See all our studies that involve a side dress application.
- Answers for your crop questions – Contact the experts! They are happy to talk with you about how best to meet your crop goals.
- Back 2 Basics – This video series works through how to create a crop fertility plan based on a complete soil analysis.