Spring nitrogen (N) availability is affected by many factors such as type of fertilizer and specific nutrient compound applied, use of stabilizers, soil type, and weather conditions. 

Identification of  early-season corn insects  pests that are scouted for  shortly after planting. 

Responsive insect pest management strategies to control seed and seedling insect pests of corn have proven to be elusive and difficult to develop for several reasons. 

 

Placing small amounts of key nutrients in starter fertilizers may increase corn yield potential.

Early assessment of corn and soybean stands can help identify potential crop concerns early in the season. Once seedlings emerge, stand counts and visual inspection of the plants can help to identify problems from planting, insects, and/or diseases. 

Disease management is necessary to protect yield potential in any crop. In corn, integrated disease management tactics include corn product selection, crop rotation, tillage and residue management, fertility, insect and weed control, and fungicide applications.