Effect of strip band and in‐row placement of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on growth, yield, and efficiency of potassium use by burley tobacco

Abstract

Abstract A replicated field experiment was conducted at Lexington, Kentucky on Maury silt loam soil (Typic Paleudalf) using burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. KY 14). The purpose of the study was to determine the response of burley to placement (banding) of N‐P‐K fertilizer in or near the row. The experimental soil used tested low in potassium (K). Treatments consisted of various application rates of grade 6–24–32 (N‐P2O5‐K2O) fertilizer applied either broadcast, in 40 cm wide bands directly under and parallel to the row, in 10 cm wide bands applied 50 cm apart and perpendicular to rows, or in two drill bands each 10 cm to the side of the row. Additional nitrogen fertilizer (NH4NO3) was applied to all plots to provide a uniform rate of 265 kg N/ha. Results indicated that plant response increased as rate of 6–24–32 fertilizer increased and response was greater in all band treatments than the broadcast control. As contrasted to broadcast applications, in‐row placement of fertilizer in 40‐cm wide bands...