Influence of Rates and Split Application of Potassium Fertilizer on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Characteristics of Virginia (Flue - Cured) Tobacco

A field study was carried out in order to determine the effect of rates and split application potassium (K) fertilizer on throughout vegetative growth stages of Virginia E1 (flue-cured) tobacco plant ( Nicotiana tabacum L.). A randomized complete block design with ten treatments and three replications was applied at Rasht Tobacco Research Station in Guilan province, Iran. The results of analysis of variance for treatments showed that the entire nutrient uptake of leaf tissues was significantly altered by soil application of K fertilizers except P. Application of K fertilizer increased nitrogen and K and decreased calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg), significantly, that can be related with competition between K, Ca and Mg in their uptake or use by tobacco. Furthermore, rates and split application of K fertilizer on chemical quality parameters and yield had significant effect on dry weight, sugar, nicotine, quality index and yield, but it had not any significant effect wet weight and Chlorine. Application of K fertilizer significantly increased the dry weight, sugar, quality index and yield, and significantly decreased nicotine content in comparison with control treatment. In general, the effect of K fertilizer on yield and quality characteristics of tobacco was not dependent on split application of K fertilizer.