Recent research has shown that in order to fully realize the genetic potential of modern corn hybrids, planting should occur as early as possible in the growing season. In Michigan, this often means planting in cools soils. Additionally, cool wet weather after planting results in less than ideal conditions for corn seedling root growth and early season nutrient uptake. The weather related inhibition of corn seedling root growth is compounded by the fact that nitrogen and sulfur become available to plants primarily through soil organic matter and residue decomposition and mineralization. These soil processes are temperature dependant and under cool wet conditions, early season nutrient availability to corn seedlings can be reduced. A third contributing factor concerns the reduction in atmospheric sulfur deposition and the resulting reduction in soil concentrations of sulfur (see Fig 1. below). Federal environmental policy has significantly reduced sulfur deposition from industrial emissions in Michigan since the mid 1980’s. There is a need to evaluate the impact of these reductions on corn growth and development in the northern growing conditions of Michigan. Much of the corn acreage in Michigan is on sandy soils with lower soil organic matter levels. The combination of these factors point toward a beneficial response in early corn growth and subsequent yield from band application of nitrogen and sulfur.