View Poster Application

THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF TOBACCO STALKS

Applied Research

Darrell Simpson
University Of Kentucky
Central City

Abstract

\r\n A field study was initiated to determine  the nutrient content of burley, dark-air, and dark-fired tobacco stalks, and how fescue dominated pasture responded to tobacco stalk additions. Five foot square plots were established in Muhlenberg County, KY on a private farm and at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center near Princeton, KY. Tobacco stalks were hand spread at 3 tons/acre at ambient moisture content. Tobacco stalk samples were air dried to determine moisture content and ground to pass a 2 mm sieve for nutrient content. Fescue samples were collected and quantified at the Muhlenberg County location three times during the growing season. Stalk moisture varied considerably between locations and stalk types. The differences in moisture are attributed to curing time prior to stripping, environmental conditions during storage, and different tobacco types. Nutrient content within similar types of tobacco was relatively consistent. On a dry matter per ton basis, burley contained approximately 60 lbs N, 11 lbs P2O5, and 50 to 73 lbs of K2O. Dark tobacco contained about 60 lbs N, 12 lbs P2O5, and 47 lbs K2O per ton of dry stalk. Fescue yield increased significantly with the addition of stalks in the first and second harvest (burley= 1753 and 1116; dark-air=2269 and 1548 lbs/A for the first and second harvest respectively.

\r\n

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: R.D. Simposn, J.L. Gray, E.L. Ritchey,
  1. Simposn, R. Extension Agent, University Of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Kentucky, 42330
  2. Gray, J. Agronomy Technician, University Of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Kentucky, 42445
  3. Ritchey, E. Extension Soils Specialist, University Of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Kentucky, 42445
  4. , , ,