Effect of amount and time of application of nitrogen on the nicotine content of tobacco leaves

Abstract

The nicotine content of tobacco plants was found to be influenced by both the amount of nitrogenous fertilizer and the method of application. Split applications, with the second portions being applied between 34 and 46 days after planting substantially increased leaf nicotine levels. The later the second portion was applied the more marked was the effect. The magnitude of the effect was slightly negative in the lowest leaves and increased with ascending leaf position to the top group, where increases in excess of 100 per cent occurred. The split application treatments slightly reduced the size of the plant, but did not affect the weight of the root system.