Boosting Maize Yields with Foliar N & Drone Application

Pembrokeshire

2025 Season Insights

The 2025 forage maize season presented mixed challenges for growers. While crops established well under favourable drilling conditions, a prolonged dry spell—combined with strong sunshine—put pressure on moisture availability, particularly on lighter soils. Despite this, regions like West Wales held up well, delivering acceptable yields and starch levels for livestock farmers.

A Smarter Approach to Nitrogen Application

Maize is a high-value crop, and timing is everything when it comes to nitrogen. Traditional methods don’t always deliver nutrients when the plant needs them most. That’s where foliar nitrogen applied via drone comes in—offering a precise, timely solution during critical growth stages.

Trial Results: Strong Performance Without Crop Damage

Field trials tested foliar nitrogen at two application rates (30 L/ha and 60 L/ha), even under hot, sunny conditions typically considered risky.

The outcome?

No leaf scorch or crop damage at either rate
Effective nitrogen uptake during peak demand
Consistent improvements in crop performance

Yield Improvements

Compared to untreated crops, results showed:

+8–10% increase in total plant yield
+10% increase in cob weight

These gains suggest not just more biomass, but improved grain development and potential starch content.

Does It Pay?

Typical scenario:

Average yield: 18 tonnes/acre
Yield uplift: +9%
Extra yield: +1.62 tonnes/acre

Value gained:

Additional revenue: ~£145.80 per acre
Input + application cost: ~£45.36 per acre

Net GAIN: ~£100 per acre

Across a 50-acre block, that’s over £5,000 in added value, plus enough extra maize to feed a 200-cow herd for around 18 additional days.

More Than Just Yield

Beyond tonnage, treated crops showed a 13% increase in cob weight, pointing to higher starch content—an important factor in feed quality that wasn’t even included in the financial calculations.