Explore the essentials of tobacco nutrient management in agriculture, including key nutrients, deficiency symptoms, application timing, and practices for healthy crop growth.
Which nutrient is particularly important for improving the leaf quality and burning characteristics of tobacco?
Explanation: Potassium is crucial for enhancing tobacco leaf quality and its burning properties. Calcium and zinc are needed in smaller amounts and do not specifically influence burning. While nitrogen affects growth, excess can reduce leaf quality and increase undesirable compounds.
A tobacco field displays yellowing and upward cupping of older leaves; which deficiency is most likely responsible?
Explanation: Potassium deficiency often causes yellowing and curling of older leaves in tobacco crops. Phosphorus deficiency usually results in stunted growth and dark green leaves, while iron and manganese deficiencies typically affect new leaves, not older ones.
When is the most effective time to apply nitrogen fertilizer to maximize tobacco plant growth without reducing leaf quality?
Explanation: Applying nitrogen during transplanting and early growth supports leaf development without harming quality. Applying before harvest can harm quality, applying only at the seedling stage is insufficient, and after flowering is too late for optimal benefit.
Excessive use of which nutrient can result in thin leaves and increased nicotine content in tobacco?
Explanation: Overuse of nitrogen can produce thin leaves and boost nicotine levels. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are essential in smaller quantities and do not significantly influence these tobacco leaf traits when overapplied.
Tobacco absorbs nutrients most efficiently when grown in soils with which pH range?
Explanation: Tobacco prefers slightly acidic soils (5.5–6.5) for optimal nutrient availability. Lower pH (4.0–4.5) can lead to toxicity, while higher pH (7.5–9.0) can restrict nutrient absorption.