Virginia Tobacco Research Articles

Effect of organic fertilization on soil characteristics, yield and quality of Virginia Tobacco in Mediterranean area.

As organic tobacco is a consumer choice, it is necessary to explore the proper fertilization program with environmentally friendly practices. Α field experiment lasting 3 growing seasons established at the Agricultural University of Athens in order to examined the effect of comparison between organic and inorganic fertilization on (flue-cured) Virginia tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and soil. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (manure, compost, NPK and control) and three replications was set up. The results of analysis of variance for treatments showed that the organic matter of soil did not affected by the fertilization while CaCO3 significantly affected by fertilization. The N concentration in soil does not significantly affected by fertilization. Plants height was higher under the inorganic fertilization in comparison to that of the organic fertilization treatments. The final yield was affected by year and it is higher in control treatment with highest value 7,053.42 kg ha-1 The fertilization does not significant affect the uptake N leaves was affected by fertilization and was higher under inorganic fertilizer, ranged from 2.73 to 0.88%. The nicotine and sugar on Virginia tobacco were not significant affected by fertilization. A strong correlation was observed between yield and reducing sugars (r= 0.66). The results of the current study revealed that the organic fertilization affected certain soil characteristics and not the quality characteristics of tobacco.

Biomass growth and development in air-cured burley and flue-cured virginia tobacco varieties

Research on the accumulation and partitioning of biomass in the tobacco cycle is scarce, particularly those comparing different varieties. The objective of this work was to study the partition of biomass in air-cured burley - ACB (BAT2101) and flue-cured virginia - FCV (CSC4704) varieties. In a greenhouse experiment, the two varieties were transplanted into pots containing a mixture of fine sand and substrate (1:1). Samples were taken for a period of 98 days, with 7 day intervals. In each harvest, dry mass and leaf area were measured, and specific leaf mass, leaf area ratio, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and root to shoot ratios were estimated. The data showed that carbon partitioning in plants of both varieties is influenced by root growth, which was 50% higher in ACB by the end of the experiment. The higher accumulation of mass in the roots of this variety may be related to the fact that it requires more nitrogen than virginia and, therefore, it could be a mechanism for increased uptake of this element. ACB also had higher specific leaf mass than FCV, which may be related to the body of ACB. This information is important for choosing varieties adapted for field conditions, as well as for the genetic improvement of tobacco. Furthermore, from the point of view of crop management, this knowledge may provide useful information for maximizing leaf growth.

Pod-based menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes cause mitochondrial dysfunction in lung epithelial cells

Current FDA regulations have resulted in a ban of flavored e-cigarette pods, with only menthol and tobacco flavored pods being exempted. Previous work using menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes have been shown to induce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that exposure to pod-based JUUL Menthol and Virginia Tobacco aerosols will alter mitochondrial respiration and electron transport chain protein levels. We determined mitochondrial respiration by using a Seahorse technique and electron transport chain complexes by total OXPHOS antibodies after exposing lung epithelial cells, Beas-2b, to pod-based Menthol and Virginia Tobacco flavored aerosols. Menthol pod exposure resulted in an immediate increase in proton leak and decrease in coupling efficiency, as well as a decrease in complex I, II, and IV. Menthol pod exposure twenty-four hour post-exposure resulted in a decrease in basal respiration, maximal respiration, and spare capacity, as well as a decrease in complex I. Tobacco pod exposure resulted in no significant alterations to mitochondrial respiration, but immediately post final exposure resulted in a significant increase in complex I, IV, and V. Our results indicate that exposure to Menthol flavored e-cigarette pods cause mitochondrial dysfunction in lung epithelial cells.

PENGGUNAAN MINYAK SOLAR DAN SINAR SURYA PADA PENGOVENAN TEMBAKAU VIRGINIA

<p><strong>The use of diesel-oil and solar energy as an alternative energyfor Virginia tobacco curing</strong></p><p>The use of diesel oil and solar energy in the curing on Virginia tobacco was studied in two steps, i.e., the laboratory experiment al Ihe Research Institute for Tobacco and fiber Crop Malang and ield experiment (economic scale) in East Lombok, NIB. The study was conducted from July to September 1998. The laboratory experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of diesel oil on (he aroma of cured leaves. Results showed that there was no Strange aroma of Ihe cured-leaves, as the effect of diesel-oil burning Ihe experiment using economic scale curing-bani indicated that the diesel-oil consumption was 0 76 l/kg krosok and if flat-plate solar collector was constructed as a roof, consumption decreased 7.84% which was equal with 0.06 l/kg krosok or 2.574 kJ/kg krosok. Economic analyses showed that using diesel-oil and flat-plate solar collector as a energy source gave a proit chance and an ability to pay the 18%/year of the capital interest, with B/C ratio -1.74, NPV=Rp 45 340 131, and IRR-52 93%. If only diesel-oil was used, it gave a lower proit with B/C ratio=l.77, NPV=Rp 46 425 215. and IRR=53.19%. The increase in the diesel-oil price up to Rp I 500/1 would give a profit chance and an ability lo pay the capital interest, with the B/C ratio = 1.487 and 1 .490. with IRR = 52.67% dan 52 99%, for curing the tobacco leaves with diesel-oil and solar collector, and with diesel-oil only, respectively.</p>

PENGARUH PENYAKIT KRUPUK TERHADAP HASIL DAN MUTU DELAPAN VARIETAS TEMBAKAU VIRGINIA

<p><strong>The effect of tobacco curl disease on the yield and quality of eight Virginia tobacco varieties</strong></p><p>Tobacco leaf curl disease is one of the important diseases on Virginia tobacco which especially occurs in dry condition. The use of resistant varieties is one of the most effective way to control the disease. This experiment was lo evaluate the effect of tobacco curl disease on tobacco varieties (DB 101, Coker 319, Coker 176, Coker 48, Coker 86, and Coker 371 Gold) and two promising lines (T.45/T.65 and T.45/T.69). The experiment was conducted in Pekuwon, Sumberrejo, Bojonegoro from April to October 1997. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design with three replications. The tobacco seedlings wee transplanted in 0.9 m x 0.6 m spacing and 9.0 m x 9.0 m plot size. The fertilizer dosage applied are 300 kg ZA + 108 kg SP-36 + 156 kg ZK per ha The parameters observed including percentage of diseased plant, productive leaves, as well as the yield and quality of leaves. The esults showed that Coker 371 Gold variety showed the lowest disease percentage (6.89%), decrease in productive leaves was high (71.86%), Whereas the two promising lines, were T.45/T.6S and T.45/T.69 showed that the percentage of diseased plants wee not significantly different compared with DB 101, Coker 319, and Coker 48, but the decrease in productive leaves was lower. The yield of these promising lines were 10.12-10.30 kg/81 m!, grade indexes 86.04-87.27, and crop indexes are 88.31-88.63. Coker 176 was the most susceptible variety. The percentage of diseased plant, flue- cured yield, grade index, and crop index on Coker 176 wee 42.67%, 7.77 kg/81 m!, 86.09, and 66.89, respectively.</p>

REKAYASA KOLEKTOR SURYA DAN KOMPOR LPG PADA PENGOVENAN DAUN TEMBAKAU VIRGINIA

<p><strong>Engineering of solar collector and LPG-burner for curing Virginia tobacco</strong></p><p>Indonesia produces 30 tones of Hue cured tobacco every year. Curing Virginia tobacco needs I 29 I kerosene per I kg cured leaves, thus lo process 30 tones cured leaves, it needs 38.7 liter kerosene with a value ol Rp 1 5.5 billion per year Kerosene as a source of energy is used for house hold in Ihe village and it is highly subsidized by the government. For such industries as tobacco processing other sources of energy are available, including gas oil, diesel oil and fuel oil, solar energy, coal, and liquid petroleum gas This study was aimed at designing solar collector and LPG buner suitable lor Virginia tobacco flue curing. Tobacco leaves were cured in a curing barn with LPG as a fuel, while the solar collector was installed on Ihe roof of Ihe barn. The size of the curing barn was 4 m x 4 m x 7 m with a capacity of iwo tones fresh leaves. The LPG-burner used was BA'I'/Baliltas-I, with was specially designed for lobacco curing barn ('nring method followed Ihe standard method practiced by farmers The experiment was conducted al IT Sadhana Arif Nusa. Has! Lombok. NTR from Angus! lo September 1997 The rcsull of experiment was evaluated holh from technical and economical aspects. The used of LPG combined with solar collector as the source of energy could reach Ihe required temperatures (J0-70°(.) during curing phases LPG consumption was 0.86 kg/ kg cured leaves, and solar energy contributed 6.48% of total energy required for curing process From economical view, the used of LPG and solar energy was not profitable. This was mainly due to Ihe high prices of LPG (Rp I 000 /kg) LPG-lank (Rp 1 600 000/unit) and roof- solar collector (Rp I 500 000 per unit).</p>

EFEKTIVITAS PUPUK HAYATI DAN PUPUK NITROGEN (ZA) DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASIL DAN MUTU TEMBAKAU VIRGINIA SERTA POPULASI BAKTERI DAN KADAR N TOTAL TANAH

<p><strong>Effectiveness of biofertilizer and IS fertilizer (ZA) in increasing the yield and quality of Virginia tobacco leaves, population of soil bacteria and soil /V content</strong></p><p>The experiment was conducted in inceptisol soil, Bondowoso, from June 1998 to March 1999. The experiment was aimed to study the effect of biofertilizer and N rates on population of soil bacteria and total N soil content, yield and quality of Virginia tobacco leaves The experiment was designed in factorial randomized block with two factors and four replicates Factor one consisted of two levels of biofertilizer (0 and I l/ha) and factor two was three levels of N rates (0, 25 and 50 kg N/ha). Biofertilizer was sprayed before planting and N fertilizer was added twice, at 10 and 21 days ater planting, half dosage each PjO^ (40 kg/ha) and K20 (90 kg/ha) were added as basal fertilizer. Biofertilizer (1% product) was sprayed into the plant holes (volume 100 l/ha) prior lo planting of tobacco seedlings. Results showed that interaction between biofertilizer and 2S kg N/ha treatments increased fresh leaves yield by 22% and cured leaves by 30%, and also resulted in a high value of crop index (110.16) Quality index was only increased (5%) by addition of biofertilizer In the laboratory, the combination treatment of biofertilizer and N also increased the population of bacteria and total N content of soil that was incubated for 2 weeks.</p>

Analisis Keuntungan dan Kelayakan Ekonomi Usahatani Tembakau Virginia di Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

Virginia tobacco is one of the most cultivated plants by farmers on Lombok Island, one of which is in the Central Lombok Regency. Virginia tobacco farming is one source of farmers' income because the income generated is quite high. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to find out the benefits of Virginia tobacco farming in Central Lombok Regency and to analyze the economic viability of Virginia tobacco farming in Central Lombok Regency. This research using a descriptive research method, and it was conducted in Janapria District, Central Lombok Regency, which was selected by purposive sampling with consideration of the area with the highest area and number of Virginia tobacco farming production. Data sources in this study include primary data and secondary data. Primary data was collected by a survey method of 30 respondents, where the selection of respondents is done by accidental sampling techniques. Data analysis in this study uses economic feasibility analysis including R/ C ratio and B / C ratio analysis. The results showed that the average profit of Virginia tobacco farming is Rp.42,349,763/hectare and Virginia Tobacco Farming in Central Lombok Regency is economically feasible because it has an economic viability value of R/C ratio of 1.9 and B/C ratio of 0.9.

Human health risk and potential environmental damage of organic and conventional Nicotiana tobaccum production

Tobacco is the most widespread non-food crop in the world. In Brazil, tobacco cultivation is one of the main commodities of the southern region. However, its production is associated with environmental impacts and risks to human health, which have yet to be quantified. This paper uses midpoint and endpoint life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the potential environmental damage and human health risk associated with agricultural production of conventional Virginia (CV), organic Virginia (OV), and Burley (BU) tobacco varieties. Organic tobacco production substitutes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic compounds in the cropping stage. The results show that for one ton of dried tobacco, BU, CV, and OV emit 1,610, 1,426, and 1,091 kg CO2 eq, respectively. For organic production, greater impacts are linked to the land use (LU) impact category. The endpoint results showed that OV production resulted in a higher potential for human and environmental damage than BU and CV. The drying of green OV and CV tobacco requires the burning of firewood, which emits high levels of particulate matter and is associated with human health (HH) damage. Overall, the HH damage category accounts for 68%, 82%, and 78% of the total score points associated with the production of BU, CV, and OV.

Influence of a diet containing tobacco on the biology of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and its parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Host diet often influences its biological parameters and the success of their parasitoids, both in mass rearing, field research and parasitism in applied biological control programs. Habrobracon hebetor (Say, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an important biological control agent of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which infests tobacco, grain and other products in storage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of tobacco in artificial diets on the biological parameters of the host E. kuehniella and its parasitoid H. hebetor. Four classes of Virginia tobacco with different sugar and nicotine concentrations were added to flour diets for moths in different percentages (5, 10 and 15%).The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme (percentage of dietary tobacco × class of tobacco). In the parasitoid bioassays, hosts fed only with 5% tobacco were used. For E. kuehniella, the development time (egg-adult), viability of immature stages, sex ratio, fecundity, egg viability and longevity were measured. For H. hebetor, percentage parasitism, offspring sex ratio, number of paralyzed and parasitized larvae, egg-adult viability and parasitism preference were measured. Tobacco classes and percentages added to the diet influenced the development time and viability of E. kuehniella. The 5% host diet did not influence the different biological parameters and behaviour of H. hebetor. For mass rearing of H. hebetor, it is unnecessary to add tobacco to the artificial diet in order to improve parasitoid performance.

Blood vessel damage same for e-cigarettes and cigarettes

When e-cigarettes appeared on the market, they were sold as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. And while e-cigarettes have fewer cancer-causing chemicals than cigarettes, a growing body of evidence suggests that the devices may not avoid other harmful effects of smoking. Now, a study led by Matthew L. Springer at the University of California, San Francisco, finds that, in rats, puffs from e-cigarettes and cigarettes comparably impair the function of blood vessels, which is a predictor of cardiovascular disease such as stroke or heart attack. Additionally, the researchers found that Juul e-cigarettes deliver substantially higher amounts of the addictive substance nicotine than cigarettes and previous generation e-cigarettes per puff (Tob. Regul. Sci. 2020, DOI: 10.18001/TRS.6.1.4). Springer and colleagues evaluated three types of cigarettes: Virginia tobacco–flavored Juul e-cigarettes, a tank-style e-cigarette, and Marlboro Red cigarettes. For each type of cigarette, a group of eight anesthetized a...

Carbon Footprint of agricultural production and processing of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in southern Brazil

Abstract One of the main agricultural crops in Brazil is the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) production, currently the second largest producer of this commodity of the world. Its production extends across the three southern states of the country and accounts for important interactions with the environment. Thus, the study of the relationship between tobacco cultivation and the environment should be evaluated in order to reduce its impacts. This study uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the Carbon Footprint (CF) of Virginia (VA) and Burley (BU) tobacco varieties produced in southern Brazil, using the dataset of 14,409 tobacco farmers. The LCA results showed that the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the crop stages of both the tobacco varieties is the main contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The CF was 1398.5 kg CO2-eq/ton of dry VA tobacco, compared to the 1829.7 kg CO2-eq/ton of dry BU tobacco. The seedling and industrial processing stages of both tobacco varieties account for less than 13% of the overall CF.

Field efficacy of insecticides against Spodoptera litura in Virginia Tobacco

Results showed that emamectin benzoate 0.0025% and chlorfenapyr 10 SC @ 0.01% gave cent per cent protection to Virginia tobacco against Spodoptera litura infestation followed by metaflumizone 22 SC @ 0.04%. The mean number of leaves damaged, the leaf area damaged and mean number of plants infested in the treatments of emamectin benzoate and chlorfenapyr were on at par with each other and significantly less than all other treatments followed by metaflumizone. These treatments also recorded higer yield parameters in terms of cured leaf, bright leaf and grade index. Chlorfenapyr 10 SC @ 0.01% and metaflumizone 22 SC @ 0.04% can be used for management of S.litura in Virginia tobacco along with emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.0025%.

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JUUL and Combusted Cigarettes Comparably Impair Endothelial Function.

JUUL and earlier generation electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are promoted as being less hazardous than cigarettes. While JUUL Labs, in particular, claims that switching from smoking to vaping has beneficial impacts, the health effects of such products are not well understood. We investigated whether exposure to JUUL and previous generation e-cig aerosol impairs endothelial function comparably to cigarette smoke. We exposed rats to aerosol from Virginia Tobacco flavor JUUL, an e-cig tank system using unflavored freebase nicotine e-liquid, Marlboro Red combustible tobacco cigarettes, or clean air for 10 cycles of 2 second inhalation over 5 minutes. Endothelial function (FMD) was measured pre- and post-exposure. Blood was collected 20 mins post-exposure for serum nicotine analysis. Aerosol/smoke from JUUL, previous generation e-cigs, and cigarettes all impaired FMD. The extent of impairment ranged from 34%-58%, although the differences between groups were insignificant. Nicotine was highest in serum from the JUUL group; for the other e-cig and cigarette groups, nicotine levels were lower and comparable to each other. Aerosol from JUUL and previous generation e-cigs impairs endothelial function in rats, comparable to impairment by cigarette smoke.

E-cigarette flavored pods induce inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and DNA damage in lung epithelial cells and monocytes

E-cigarette flavored pods are increasing in use among young adults. Although marketed as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, the health effects of e-cigarette flavored pods are unknown. We hypothesized that e-cigarette flavored pods would cause oxidative stress, barrier dysfunction, and an inflammatory response in monocytes and lung epithelial cells. JUUL pod flavors (Fruit Medley, Virginia Tobacco, Cool Mint, Crème Brulee, Cool Cucumber, Mango, and Classic Menthol) and similar pod flavors (Just Mango-Strawberry Coconut and Caffé Latte) were tested. These pod flavors generated significant amounts of acellular ROS and induced significant mitochondrial superoxide production in bronchial epithelial cells (16-HBE). Lung epithelial cells (16-HBE, BEAS-2B) and monocytes (U937) exposed to various pod aerosols resulted in increased inflammatory mediators, such as IL-8 or PGE2. JUUL pod flavors, Crème Brulee and Cool Cucumber, caused epithelial barrier dysfunction in 16-HBE cells. Moreover, tested flavors also showed DNA damage upon exposure in monocytes. We determined the chemical constituents present in various flavors. Our data suggest that these constituents in flavored pods induce oxidative stress, inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and DNA damage in lung cells. These data provide insights into the regulation of e-cigarette flavored pods, as well as constituents in these flavors.

Five-Day Changes in Biomarkers of Exposure Among Adult Smokers After Completely Switching From Combustible Cigarettes to a Nicotine-Salt Pod System.

IntroductionThis study examined changes in biomarkers of exposure (BoE) after 5 days of nicotine-salt pod system (NSPS) use, compared with continuation of usual-cigarette smoking and cigarette abstinence, among adult combustible cigarette smokers.Aims and MethodsA randomized, open-label, parallel-cohort, confinement study of healthy adult smokers, naive to NSPS use, was conducted. Participants (N = 90) were randomized to six cohorts (n = 15 each): exclusive ad libitum use of NSPS (four flavors: Virginia Tobacco, Mint, Mango, Creme), continuation of usual-brand cigarette smoking, or cigarette abstinence. Total nicotine equivalents and BoE (NNN, NNAL, 3-HPMA, MHBMA, S-PMA, HMPMA, CEMA, 1-OHP, and COHb) were measured.ResultsEight non-nicotine BoEs, measured in urine, were reduced by an aggregate of 85.0% in the pooled NSPS cohort; increased by 14.4% in the cigarette cohort (p < .001 for pooled NSPS vs. cigarette); and reduced by 85.3% in the abstinence cohort (p > .05; 99.6% relative reduction between pooled NSPS vs. abstinence). Similar changes in individual BoEs were also observed (p < .001 for each BoE between pooled NSPS vs. cigarettes; and abstinence vs. pooled NSPS; p > .05 for each BoE between pooled NSPS vs. abstinence). Blood COHb decreased by 71.8% in the pooled NSPS cohort and 69.1% in the abstinence cohort (p > .05) and increased by 13.3% in the cigarette cohort (p < .001). Mean total urine nicotine equivalents increased in the pooled NSPS and cigarette cohorts by 9% and 26%, respectively, and did not significantly differ (p > .05).ConclusionComplete switching from cigarettes to NSPS produced significant reductions in key non-nicotine BoEs associated with cigarette smoking.ImplicationsThe results of this study concorded with evidence that complete switching from combustible cigarettes to tobacco and nontobacco-flavored vapor products may reduce exposure to key carcinogens and other toxicants known to be associated with tobacco-related diseases. Future research is needed to assess the long-term health effects of NSPS use. These results should not be interpreted to mean that the use of NSPS is without any risk, particularly for nonusers of tobacco products.

Proposal of automated computational method to support Virginia tobacco classification

ABSTRACT This article proposes an automatic method for classification of cured tobacco leaves. Typically this process is performed manually, allowing the occurrence of human errors. In addition, the existence of an automated comparative procedure, helping to perform the classification, can make this process faster and more transparent. In order to implement the method, non-invasive to the agricultural product, 250 samples of Virginia tobacco digital images in the RGB and HSV color models were analyzed. The validation of the method was carried out using partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN), presenting a qualitative and quantitative analysis of both tools. It has been verified that the PLS can be applied to this method, as it has a shorter computational time, better suiting a real-time process. It can be verified that the ANN obtained better prediction results. Both methods employed had better results when adopting the RGB color model, reaching coefficient of determinations of 68 and 96% for the PLS and ANN methods, respectively.

Greening the tobacco flue-curing process using biomass energy: a feasibility study for the flue-cured Virginia type in Italy

ABSTRACTTobacco is among the top sectors, worldwide, for revenues and aggregate turnover with a global market arena and a group of top players progressively driving the change toward high-quality standards and a strong customer and environmental care. Behind cigarettes, the tobacco supply chain includes agricultural and industrial phases, to grow and cure the tobacco leaves and to manufacture and deliver the final products. This study addresses the goal of greening the tobacco flue-curing process, aimed at drying the tobacco leaves and known as the most energy-intensive process, presenting a joint techno-economic and environmental feasibility study for Virginia tobacco type in Italy. Starting from a review of the process, the curing barn features and the required physical conditions to obtain top quality flue-cured tobacco, this study investigates the impact of using biomass instead of fossil fuels to feed the heat generators. The input data, to support the analysis, are from Italian producers selling tobacco to an international leading company that joined the present research. Results highlight that the switch to non-fossil fuels for tobacco curing leads to annual cost savings up to 13% and to global environmental savings, i.e. emitted equivalent carbon dioxide reduction, up to 95% without product quality decrease.

Effect of long-term application of mineral fertilizers and FYM on microbial dynamics, yield and quality of FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) grown in vertisols

A long term manurial experiment (Permanent Manurial Trial) with the objective to study the effect of continuous application of organic manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on microbial diversity, yield and quality of Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. ) as monocrop was carried out at CTRI Farm, Katheru, for 53 years commencing from 1956-57 to 2008-09. The results obtained before the closing of the experiment (2003- 2008) are discussed in this paper. The microbial dynamics expressed in terms of culturable microbial populations, i.e. bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Azotobacter and PSB were measured after 53 years of continuous application of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments to vertisols. The population of bacteria, actinomycetes, Azotobacter and PSB were maximum in plots treated with mineral fertilizers and FYM while fungal population was maximum in mineral fertilizers treated plots. The population of bacteria, actinomycetes, Azotobacter and PSB increased in the treatments with the addition of P and K fertilizers alone or in combination. The fungal population decreased with the addition of NPK along with the FYM. Bacillus, Pseudomonas species of bacteria and Trichoderma, Aspergillus and Rhizopus species of fungi, Streptomyces species of actinomycetes were the main dominating culturable microorganisms in all the treatments. The FYM amended plots sustained crop productivity and microbial populations at higher levels than rest of the mineral fertilizer treatments. The average cured leaf yields indicated that only farm yard manure and inorganic nitrogen application has exerted pressure in increasing the cured leaf yields by 24. 52% and 26. 97% respectively in VT-1158 variety of tobacco in vertisols. The nitrogenous fertilizers alone had the most deleterious effect on crop productivity and the biological soil environment. The results of the present study support the concept of balanced fertilization and integrated nutrient management practices for improving the soil quality and sustained crop productivity.