Effect of organic fertilization on quality and yield of oriental tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

Greece is a country that primarily cultivates tobacco. Over the years and the increase of inputs to conventional tobacco cultivation and the groundwater nitrate pollution, producers and industry began to look at organic farming. However, for the field crop of tobacco knowledge is limited to inorganic fertilization only and it is necessary now to find out the effect of organic fertilization on soil, yield and quality of tobacco. Therefore, two-year field experiments were carried out during 2017-2018 in Agricultural University of Athens. Three oriental tobacco varieties were cultivated (Basmas Xanthi 81, Katerini S53 and Myrodata Agriniou 30Α) in split-plot design, with four fertilization treatments (Control, Compost, Manure and NPK). According to the results, the yield was significantly affected only by the variety and the highest yield was 3.488 (kg ha-1) in Myrodata Agriniou variety. The plant height was significantly affected by variety and ranged from 110,77 cm (Basmas Xanthi) to 121.42 cm (Myrodata Agriniou). The number of leaves was significantly affected only by the variety; Katerini S53 had the highest number. The nicotine content was significantly affected by variety and year and ranged between 2.52% (Myrodata Agriniou) and 4.22 % (Basmas Xanthi). As nicotine increases, sugars finally decrease with the application of organic fertilizers. Summarizing, most of the soil characteristics significantly affected by the fertilization and showed generally improvement. The plant growth and the final yield was determined by the variety. With organic tobacco cultivation, the quality and yields of oriental varieties have improved significantly.