Field experiments were conducted in 1976 and 1978 to determine the effects of substituting KCI for K₂SO₄ as a source of potassium for Virginia sun-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. va 409). Potash was held constant at 186 kg/ha, and the following S:CI ratios were formulated using K₂SO₄ and KCI: 80:0,64:34, 48:67, 33:101, 17:134 and 0:168. Significant increases in yield and cured leaf chloride content were obtained with increased KCI application in 1976 only. Price of the cured leaf was significantly affected by KCI substitution in 1978 only; however, prices generally coincided with visual ratings by tobacco companies in both years. Chewing panel evaluations revealed that cured leaf from plots fertilized with S:CI ratios of 64:34 and 48:67 were more acceptable than tobacco from other treatments in both years.

(Full article published with kind permission from "Tobacco International")