Effects of potassium fertilization modes on potassium content,yields and quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves in western Henan province
Effects of different fertilizer amount and rations of Base K to Dress K fertilizer on agronomy character, main chemical, yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves were studied by field experiment conducted in western Henan province. Results showed that plant height, maxium leaf length and width, stem thickness of tobacco plants improved gradually with the increase of potassium fertilizer either applied or dressed, in which agronomic characters of tobacco plants were effectively improved at 50: 50 base K to Dress K fertilizer. Increasing potassium fertilizer could significantly increase potassium content in tobacco leaves, total content of neutral aroma components in upper leaves, and quality and yield, whereas reduce nicotine content. Potassium content in middle and upper leaves increased significantly with the increase of dressing K fertilizer. Leaf yield at middle and lower potassium fertilizer level as well as the proportion of superior and moderate tobacco leaves at high potassium fertilizer level were improved. Moreover, effects were observed on total content of neutral aroma components, general chemical components, and mineral elements at different rations of Base K to Dress K fertilizer.