Influence of Nitrogen Rate and Foliar Fertilization on Yield, Quality, and Leaf Chemistry in Burley Tobacco
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Many burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) producers are convinced that additions of nitrogen (N) rates greater than those recommended by university Extension services will result in increased yield and income. Some producers apply foliar fertilizer with other management operations to increase yield and quality of burley tobacco, but these results have not been confirmed by research. Concerns with excessive N additions include improper curing, elevated levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, undesirable burning characteristics of the cured leaf, unnecessary fertilizer costs, and negative impacts to environmental quality. A field study was conducted at Lexington, KY and Springfield, TN from 2000 to 2002 to determine the effects of 3 N rates (200, 250, and 300 lb/acre) and 3 foliar fertilizer products on yield and quality on burley tobacco leaf. Nitrogenous leaf compounds were measured only at the Kentucky location. Results from this study indicate that there was no significant yield or quality advantage in applying more than 200 lb N/acre for burley tobacco production, but rather, these parameters were influenced by year and location. Yield was also not influenced by foliar fertilizer application at either location; however, in 2001 the foliar products did result in a higher grade index than the untreated check. Results from this experiment do not indicate that the use of a foliar product or N rates >200 lb/acre will result in consistently higher yields or quality of burley tobacco.
Source: Tobacco Science
DOI: 10.3381/14-036r.1
Authors: E. L. Ritchey, R. D. Miller, R. L. Ellis
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2291732743