By-plant application of (N) fertilizer has the potential to increase N use efficiency in corn. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of directed stream application at the base of the plant using UAN versus dribble surface bands applied in the middle of the row, and an evaluation of by-plant fertilization in comparison to the conventional methods of liquid N application. The study to record the effects of rate and placement of N fertilizer on the N use efficiency and grain yield was established in the spring of 2005 at the lake Carl Blackwell irrigated research station (LCB) on a Pulaski fine sandy loam (Coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic Typic Ustifluvent) and also at the East Central Research station near Haskell, OK on a Taloka silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic, Mollic Albaqualf). In 2005 a dry and hot growing season resulted in no significant differences in either corn grain yield or NUE%. While there were no differences in grain yield, at the lower N input (45 kg N ha-1, preplant) a higher NUE was observed. At Haskell, the highest NUE was achieved at the lower N rates (45-66 kg N ha-1). The highest NUE obtained at Haskell was 25%. This was attributed to relatively high yield at the modest amount of N applied (66 kg N ha-1). While no significant differences in placement of N could be seen, it appears that the lower N rates resulted in higher NUE.