Nitrogen Resources for Illinois Farmers

Efficient nitrogen use is a critical component of maximizing your corn yield and maintaining profitability. The Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach provides Illinois farmers with a research-backed tool to apply the right rate of nitrogen for their specific conditions—balancing yield goals and input costs.

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MAXIMIZE Your Investment: Understand & Use MRTN Rate

The MRTN rate is the nitrogen rate that returns the highest dollar value per acre—your best return on nitrogen investment. It accounts for nitrogen prices, corn grain prices, and years of region-specific research data, helping you optimize yield while reducing unnecessary input costs.

The MRTN approach is the standard method used across several Midwest states. It is built from trials that include corn following soybean and corn following corn under various nitrogen timing strategies (spring, sidedress, split application).

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Why MRTN Matters to Your Bottom Line

With input costs on the rise, guessing your nitrogen rate isn’t good business. Over-applying nitrogen wastes money and increases the risk of runoff and environmental impact. Under-applying can reduce yields. The MRTN tool helps you:

  • Calculate the return on N investment
  • Avoid overspending on fertilizer
  • Maintain or increase yields
  • Support sustainable practices that protect water quality and soil health


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Try the MRTN Calculator

Use the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator to easily determine your MRTN based on your current corn and nitrogen prices.

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Nitrogen Data Backed by Illinois Trials

The Precision Conservation Management (PCM) program supports Illinois farmers by evaluating real nitrogen use across working farms and the findings are clear:

📍 Key PCM Nitrogen Insights (2024 Report):

  • In 2022, the median nitrogen rate across PCM farms was 190 lbs/acre for corn following soybeans, while the MRTN recommendation was 172 lbs/acre—suggesting room to optimize without sacrificing yield.
  • Over 25% of PCM farmers applied more than 200 lbs/acre, increasing input costs without increasing profitability.
  • Farmers operating within the MRTN range saw higher profit margins and improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).


Bottom Line. 

Nitrogen is too valuable to waste.



Contact Us

Nitrogen is too valuable to waste. Using the MRTN rate and PCM insights helps you make informed, data-driven decisions that benefit your crop, your wallet, and the environment. Whether you're dialing in your sidedress rate or rethinking fall application, start with the science.

For questions about nitrogen management or PCM support in Illinois, reach out to IL Corn or your local PCM specialist.