Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most expensive inputs on the farm, and with today’s tight margins it’s never been more important to make sure every pound pays for itself.

According to our most recent data, nitrogen application rates have been creeping up. In 2024, the average nitrogen rate across all high-productivity corn fields (high-SPR) was 208 lbs per acre—the highest we’ve seen since 2018.

Yet PCM data shows that the most profitable rate for highly productive soils were between 151 and 175 lbs per acre, and less than 150 lbs per acre on less productive soils.

With corn prices lagging and input costs remaining high, it is important for farmers to understand that overapplying nitrogen doesn’t pay off. In fact, our data shows that applying more than 200 lbs of N per acre often leads to a negative return on investment.

The good news is that farmers are using this data to fine tune their approach. In a recent PCM survey, 68% of farmers who don’t currently use university recommended N rates said they’re likely to try them after seeing the PCM data.

University of Illinois’ Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) rate calculator helps you dial in to the most profitable application rate for your region. It’s backed by research and has proven to be the best available tool for maximizing profit while avoiding yield penalties. You can find it here: CornNRateCalc.org.

Bottom line: Reducing nitrogen fertilizer rates is a smart financial decision that’s backed by data and supported by your peers.

If you’d like help reviewing your nitrogen strategy, consider enrolling in PCM for free. We’re here to help you make informed, profitable decisions for your farm.