Indian Journal of Agronomy

A field experiment was conducted during post-rainy season of 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03 at Jeelugumilli to find out optimum spacing, dose and time of N application to flue-cured virginia (FCV) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in irrigated Alfisols (Northern Light Soils) of Andhra Pradesh. Green leaf yield, cured leaf yield and grade index were significantly higher at a spacing of 100 x 70 cm compared with 100 x 60 cm. Significant increase in greenleaf yield and cured leaf yield was noticed with increase in N level from 90 to 130 kg N/ha. Application of 130 and 110 kg N/ha, being comparable, recorded significantly higher grade index than that of 90 kg N/ha. Application of N in three splits offered significantly higher green leaf yield, cured leaf yield and grade index compared with that of N in two splits. Wider spacing gave higher total N and nicotine levels and lower reducing sugars, equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and filling value of leaf than closer spacing. There was a gradual decrease of sugars and EMC and increase of nicotine, total N and filling value with increased levels of N. Application of nitrogen in three splits gave higher total N, nicotine and filling value and lower reducing sugars and EMC of cured leaf than that of N in two splits. Maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio accrued when planted at 100 x 70 cm spacing along with 110 kg N/ha applied in three splits. A spacing of 100 cm x 70 cm along with 110 kg N//ha applied in three splits, was found optimum for cv. ‘Kanchan’ for obtaining higher yield and better grade index with acceptable chemical and physical quality parameters.