As we discussed last time, at the R5 growth stage, corn is dying to fill the developed kernels with photosynthate by remobilizing nutrients from leaves and stalk into the ear. If the plant already has reduced levels of nitrogen due to stress or poor management, excessive cannibalization as senescence will occur. But what happens if there's plenty of nitrogen during the R5 growth stage? Will that make more grain yield, higher protein, both, or neither? Under High N Managemen

Earlier planting has expanded opportunity—but also risk. Cooler, wetter soils can delay emergence and expose seed to disease, insects, and drown-out conditions. The goal is a “Goldilocks” environment: warm, moist (not saturated) soil that supports rapid germination. Early nutrient strategies can help in specific conditions, but timing nitrogen closer to crop demand—especially between planting and V6—can improve efficiency and adapt to changing soil dynamics.