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Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Effects on Yield and Quality of Burley Tobacco¹

ABSTRACT

Field studies were conducted in 1983 and 1984 at Lexington, KY to examine the effects of N and K fertilizer on yield and chemical quality of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Ky 14). Treatments included: NH₄NO₃ at rates of 112, 280, and 448 kg N ha^–1; and two sources (K₂SO₄ and KCl), each at rates of 0, 112, 224, and 448 kg K ha^–1. The following agronomic and chemical characteristics were examined: yield, price, leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, Mo, total alkaloid, and solanesol concentrations. Cured leaf yield, price, and solanesol concentration were strongly influenced by N x K interactions. Each was raised by increasing N rates when no K was applied; however, at higher K levels, increasing N rates resulted in smaller price increases, no yield changes, and reductions in solanesol concentrations. Reductions in cured leaf Mo concentration relative to N, K, and Mg levels with increasing K fertilization beyond 0 kg ha^–1 were exaggerated as N rates were raised. No effect of N rates on total alkaloids or solanesol concentrations were noted while increased K rates increased concentrations of both. Greater cured leaf yields and Mo concentrations were achieved with KCl than with K₂SO₄. The positive effect of KCl on Mo concentration at low N application rates was reduced by increased N fertilization suggesting that Mo uptake was enhanced by Cl^- but reversed at high levels of NO^-₃ application.

¹ The investigation reported in this paper (86-3-198) was in conection with a project of the Kentucky Agric. Exp. Stn., Lexington, KY 40546-0091 and ARS-USDA. This paper is published with the approval of the Director of the Station and was supported in part by CR-ARS-USDA Cooperative Agreement 58-7B30-3-537.

² Former Postdoctoral Student (now Assistant Professor of Agronomy, VPI & SU, Painter, VA 23420) and Professor of Agronomy, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091, respectively.

Received for publication January 26, 1987.