Assessing the vertical footprint of reflectance measurements to characterize nitrogen uptake and biomass distribution in maize canopies

► First report on influence of maize foliage versus stem on reflectance of maize canopies. ► Leaf N uptake and aerial biomass profile showed a vertical bell shape distribution. ► Sensor detects N uptake of all leaf levels and separates fertilization treatments. ► Vertical N uptake profile could improve nitrogen fertilization recommendations. ► Useful for precision phenotyping and improving crop growth simulation models.