Tobacco-grade fertilizers are available
without P and can be custom-blended to supply
the N and K,0 recommended on the soil report.
Select a mixed fertilizer grade that will supply
nitrogen at a rate of 40 lb/acre, all the
recommended P,0. and up to 120 lb/acre of K,0
at planting or within 10 days after setting. You
can apply additional nitrogen and/or potash later
as a sidedressing.
Phosphate (P2Os) and Potash (K20)
for Burley Tobacco
Soils in the burley tobacco region have high levels
of phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients
build-up when they are applied on a continual basis
at rates that exceed soil test recommendations.
In 35 to 40% of the areas where burley is
grown, a P,05 or K,0 rate of 40 to 50 lb/acre is
sufficient. This low rate reduces fertilizer costs
as well as the potential for salt injury.
P,Os and K,0 recommendations are specific
for the soil tested. Select a mixed fertilizer that
best supplies the recommended rates of P,0 and
K,0. If an appropriate mixed grade is unavailable,
use single-grade materials. Ammonium nitrate
(33.5% N), triple superphosphate (46% P,0.)
and sulfate of potash (50% K,Oj are acceptable.
Tissue Testing to Ensure Quality & Yield
Tissue testing should be an integral part of
tobacco production. During the growing season,
it can help identify nutrient deficiencies. At the
end of the season, it can be used successfully to
determine ripeness and facilitate decisions on
timing of flue-cured tobacco harvest.
Additional information
cam be obtained from am
NCDA&CS regional agronomist
or the local
Cooperative Extension office.
NCDA&CS Agronomic Division
Dr. Colleen Hudak-Wise, Director
www.ncaigr.gov/ agrorvomi/
(919)733-26 55
Mailing Address
1 040 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699- 1 040
Phvsicad Address
/
Location
4300 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh NC 27607-6465
updated July 2012
NOTE 1: Fertilization
of Tobacco
Historically, tobacco has been a heavily fertilized
crop. Fertilizer recommendations on the soil report
produce high-yielding, quality tobacco assuming
other limitations are negligible. The plant's ability
to use nutrients depends on adequate lime having
been applied, the method and timing of fertilization,
variety selection and nematode management
practices. Low yields and poor quality are seldom
related to soil fertility alone.
Lime
The rate of lime recommended on the soil report
• raises soil pH and maintains it between 5.8
and 6.2;
• supplies the essential nutrients calcium and
magnesium;
• neutralizes aluminum, which becomes toxic
to plant roots when the soil pH is too low;
and
• enhances uptake and use of phosphorus.
Magnesium (Mg) & Sulfur (S)
Magnesium deficiency is typically seen on light-
colored, sandy soils, often in seasons of high
rainfall. Due to this fact, this condition is also
known as "sand drown." Symptoms are seen as
yellowing between veins on the lower leaves
(interveinal chlorosis) that may progress midway
up the stalk. The yellowing often begins at the tip
or along leaf margins, progressing to the leaf s
base and center. Tissue may appear white in
extreme cases.
If there is a 25 in the Mg column on the soil
report, then magnesium levels are low. If lime is
needed, apply dolomitic lime; it will supply 120 lb
