Foliar Feeding Corn and Soybeans During Critical Growth Stages

June is when crops start moving.

Growth accelerates, nutrient demand increases, and crops can temporarily require more than roots are able to supply—especially during stressful weather or periods of rapid development.

Foliar feeding helps support the crop by delivering nutrients directly to the plant during these high-demand windows. This isn’t about replacing fertility. It’s about making the most of the pass you’re already making.

Corn Foliar Feeding Program

June is when corn transitions from establishing into rapid growth. During this stretch, corn experiences some of its highest daily nutritional demand of the season. Around V5–V7, corn establishes much of its yield potential by determining kernel row number, and by V6–V10 the crop continues building toward ear size. That makes this one of the most important times to foliar feed.

Start with nutrition.

• Triple 8 Plus delivers an 8-8-8 analysis with added micronutrients to support balanced crop nutrition.
• For additional nitrogen support, Buckshot B&N delivers high-analysis foliar nitrogen with a slower release curve to support continued vegetative growth.
• Highball combines soluble nitrogen, slow-release nitrogen, potassium, and boron to support rapid crop growth.

Then add energy.

• For corn foliar applications, Shug Nitro (12-0-2-1S) supplies nitrogen, potash, sulfur, and sugar derived from cane molasses. Sugar additions can help support plant activity during periods of rapid growth.
• Apply Shug Nitro at 1–2 quarts per acre in foliar applications.
• If additional micronutrient support is needed, Micro-N-Rich or Micro-N-Tense can be added alongside Buckshot B&N, Highball, and Shug Nitro.

Additional Opportunities

• If you’re already side dressing, don’t stop at nitrogen. Products designed to complement side dress applications include Earthquake Liquid Humic, Shug Nitro, Sweet ‘n’ Loam, BrimStone 17, Micro-N-Rich, Micro-N-Tense, and Nano N.  Brimstone 17 fits especially well when sulfur support is the goal.

Soybean Foliar Feeding Program

Soybeans require a different approach. Healthy June beans help make strong August pods. As beans move into rapid growth and reproductive development, the focus shifts toward maintaining balanced nutrition and helping the plant keep up with demand. 

Start with potassium and boron.

• DropKick provides potash, sulfur, and boron support.
• PaybacK adds phosphorus, potassium, and a broad micronutrient package.
• Keynote B+ increases the focus on boron and molybdenum support.

Then finish with energy.

• For soybean foliar applications, Sweet ‘n' Loam (4-0-3-1S) delivers sugar derived from cane molasses to complement the nutrition program.
• Sugar isn’t being added here for residue breakdown—it’s being added to support foliar applications during periods of rapid growth and increased demand.
• Apply Sweet ‘n Loam at 1–2 quarts per acre.

Additional Opportunities

• When additional nutrition makes sense, Highball can also be layered into soybean programs for extra nitrogen, potassium, and boron support. 
• Earthquake Liquid Humic can also be added alongside side dress and foliar applications to help support nutrient movement and complement your nutrition program.



Make Every Pass Count



Corn and soybeans don’t need the exact same foliar program. Corn programs should focus on nitrogen, micronutrients, and sugar-supported energy. Soybean programs should focus on balanced fertility, reproductive support, and sugars. Build around the crop’s stage, make each pass intentional, and support the crop when demand is highest.

Not sure where to start? Give Sugar Creek Ag a call — we’d be happy to help you build a foliar program that works for your operation.