Nitrogen Deficiency
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Nitrogen deficiency is often the most limiting factor in crop production. More nitrogen is required than any other nutrient. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient, and as such, deficiencies tend to show up on older leaves first, as they will migrate to actively growing areas of the plant to support growth. These deficiencies tend to show up as a pale green or yellowing of older leaves and will often appear as a V-shaped yellowing from the tip of the leaf inward.
Foliar symptoms of nitrogen deficiency
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Seedling symptoms of nitrogen deficiency
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Sweet corn is a heavy nitrogen feeder, requiring approximately 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Put out at least 80-100 pounds of nitrogen per acre preplant and apply the remaining as a side-dressing when plants are about knee high.
