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Burley Tobacco Response to Band Applications of N-P-K Fertilizer

Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091

*Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Improved fertilizer management systems for hurley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) are needed to reduce the detrimental effects of large applications of fertilizer, such as fertilizer-induced soil acidity and Mn toxicity. Field studies were conducted at several locations in Kentucky during 1980 to 1986 to examine the response of tobacco to rates and methods (band vs. broadcast) of application of N-P-K fertilizer. Response to banding N-P-K fertilizer varied widely among experimental sites and was related to level of NH₄OAC-extractable soil K. At low soil K levels, greater dry matter and cured leaf yields occurred most often for broadcast compared with banded fertilizer. These effects probably resulted from factors affecting the efficient use of K by the plant, including the greater numbers of roots in contact with fertilizer in broadcast treatments. At high soil-test K levels, greater growth and yield occurred more often from band treatments (as opposed to broadcast). This probably resulted from a reduction in toxic Mn levels and fertilizer salt injury, and from a more favorable balance between K and other nutrients in band treatments. A linear regression revealed that yields from band and broadcast treatments were equal when initial soil-test K measured 248 kg ha^–1. In soils testing high in P and K, the content of plant Mn increased linearly with rate of N-P-K fertilizer in broadcast treatments, whereas it was unaffected by fertilizer rate when the fertilizer was banded.

Contribution no. 88-3-189 of the Kentucky Agr. Exp. Stn. The study was supported in part by a grant from the Council for Burley Tobacco, Lexington, KY.

Received for publication September 26, 1988.