The Evaluation of Potassium Application Methods and Rates On the Yield and Quality of Flue-Cured Tobacco.

With rising input costs, growing environmental concerns, and new higher yielding cultivars, potassium fertilizer recommendations must be accurate.  Research is being conducted in North Carolina to evaluate the effects various potassium rates and application methods have on the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco.   

Research was conducted at the Upper Coastal Plain and Oxford Tobacco Research Stations in 2009.  One study evaluated the effects of nine potassium rates from 0 to 225 lbs/A, all applied at transplanting, on flue-cured tobacco.  The second study evaluated the effects of four potassium rates; 75, 125, 175, 225 lbs/A, and four application timings; broadcast one month before planting, broadcast one week before planting, at planting, and at planting and layby, on flue-cured tobacco.  Potassium-magnesium sulfate was used to supply the potassium in both studies.  Soil samples and tissue samples were collected throughout the season.  Cured leaf yield as well as chemical and physical quality data was also collected.

There were no significant differences between treatments and control plots.  Lower rates of K-Mag were acceptable under these conditions, along with broadcast application. 

Key terms: tobacco, potassium, application rates, application methods