of in-season application methods of fertilizer nitrogen on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in maize. Can J. Soil Sci. 84: 169-176. Little information is available comparing agronomic performance and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for N application methods such as foliar spray, soil application, and ear injection in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various N application methods on total stover dry matter, grain yield, and NUE of maize hybrids using a 15 N-labeling approach. A field experiment was conducted on a Dalhousie clay loam in Ottawa and a Guelph loam in Guelph for 2 yr (1999 and 2000). Three N application methods were tested on two maize hybrids, Pioneer 3893 and Pioneer 38P06 Bt. At planting, 60 kg N ha -1 as ammonium nitrate was applied to all treatments. In addition, 6.5 kg N ha -1 and 13.5 kg N ha -1 as 15 N-labeled urea were applied to either foliage (Treatment I) or soil (Treatment II) at V6 and V12 stages, respectively. In Treatment III, 20 kg N ha -1 as 15 N-labeled urea was injected into space between ear and husks at silking. The results showed that compared with soil N application neither foliar spray nor injection through ear affected grain yield or stover dry matter. The NUE values ranged from 12 to 76% for N fertilizer applied at V6 and V12 stages, or at silking for all treatments. There was no interaction of hybrid × N application methods on any variables measured with the only exception that for soil N application, grain NUE in Pioneer 38P06 Bt was significant higher than in Pioneer 3893. The difference in total N and NUE of grain and stover between soil N application and foliar N spray was inconsistent. However, NUE was substantially higher for N injection through the ear than for foliar or soil application without differential responses between the two hybrids. Nitrogen injection through the ear at silking might have altered N redistribution within the plant and improved NUE. Hence, it can potentially enhance grain protein content. Foliar N spray is not advocated for maize production in Ontario. Néanmoins, l'injection d'engrais dans l'épi aboutit à un degré d'assimilation du N sensiblement plus élevé que les applications foliaires ou l'épandage au sol, sans que la réaction des deux hybrides varie. Il se pourrait que l'injection d'azote dans l'épi à la floraison modifie la redistribution du N dans la plante et améliore l'assimilation. Par conséquent, cette méthode pourrait accroître la teneur du grain en protéines. On ne préconise pas les applications foliaires de N pour la culture du maïs en Ontario.