Field experiments were conducted in Suwon in 1982 and 1983 to evaluate the effects of compost application, nitrogen (N) rate and split application of N on growth, yield and N uptake of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) grown under clear polyethylene mulching condition. Urea was banded at N rates of 0 (only in 1983), 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg per 10a with or without compost application of 1500 kg per 10a at planting. In 1982, half of N was sidedressed at the 5-6 leaf stage in case of 15, and 20 kg N per 10a. Compost application increased ear size and ear weight per 10a (10%). The number of ears per 10a markedly increased with an increase in N rates up to 10 kg per 10a but was not significantly affected by further increased N rates. Ear weight per 10a increased linearly as N rate increased from 0 to 20 kg per 10a without compost but increased greatly up to 10 kg N per 10a with compost application. Dry matter yield increased greatly up to 15, 10 kg N per 10a with and without compost application, respectively. Nitrogen uptake increased linearly from 8.1 to 18.8 kg per 10a with an increase in N rates from 0 to 20 kg per 10a. The optimum N rate appeared to be 10 to 15 kg per 10a based on ear number, ear weight and dry weight per 10a. There was no significant difference between basal and split applications of N in terms of ear size, and number and weight of ears per 10a.