Zimbabwe tobacco agronomic / farming information. Find out how to control insect pests (including eelworm), suppress weeds and manage diseases.
NUTRIENT INPUT
Carry out a nutrient analysis prior to planting. Tobacco typically requires a high phosphorus and potassium and lower nitrogen (with low chlorine) blends at planting (Tobacco blend 10:24:20 + 6S (max 4% Cl) or 6:28:23 +5S +0.1B (max 4% Cl) equivalent). High basal rates can be required. Avoid placing the fertilizer too close to the seedling to avoid fertilizer toxicity. Potassium Nitrate, SOP or Calcium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate or Urea can be topdressed throughout the vegetative growth stages of the crop, however, in most cases, early applications are advised. The exact amount of nitrogen required for a tobacco crop is determined by soil texture, timing of ploughing, rainfall, residual nitrogen and crop variety type. Excessive nitrogen can lead to the crop maturing slowly and increasing the susceptibility to diseases.
Visit the Super fert website or consult the Tobacco Research Board or an agronomist for more information specific to Zimbabwe.
Cropserve now stocks a comprehensive range of foliar fertilizers which can be used to rectify in-season nutrient deficiencies. Get in touch with a Cropserve agronomist for a foliar fertilizer spray programme.
