20 FLUE-CURED TOBACCO IN FLORIDA

the other half of the fertilizer is side placed. Better plant
stands and more effective nematode control are definitely
possible with this method. However, good results may also be
obtained when the drill row is opened and the fertilizer applied
and re-bedded at a later time. Very careful cultural practices
are required if this method is used.

 FERTILIZATION OF FLUE-CURED TOBACCO
 It has often been stated that good seed, soil and climate are
the three most important things necessary for success with
tobacco. Maximum success cannot be obtained without balance
in all of these and this includes fertility of the soil as well.
 In Florida tobacco is grown on a wide range of soil types;
however, the inherent fertility may vary considerably. Good
tobacco soils are sandy to sandy loams with yellow to red
subsoil and good surface and internal drainage. In recent
years more of the poorly drained or flatwoods soils have been
used for tobacco because they have better moisture holding
capacity. Many of these soils are virgin and the pH is often
lower than is desired for tobacco, therefore, moderate liming
is recommended to raise the pH value. For example soils
which have these pH values, the following liming practices
are suggested:
 pH 4.5 to 5-Apply from 1/ to 1 ton of dolometic limestone
at the first land preparation mixed in the soil well.
 pH 5 to 5.5: Soils in this pH range need careful consideration
before liming because often a fertilizer will contain a limestone
filler which when applied in the drill row would provide
enough lime for good growth. However, in absence of a lime-
stone filler the application of 500 to 1000 pounds of dolomite
per acre should provide ample calcium.
 pH 5.5 to 6: This pH range is considered ideal for tobacco.
There may be instances, when the available calcium is con-
sidered inadequate. However, caution should be exercised be-
fore making an application of lime under these conditions
because the calcium content of most tobacco fertilizers will
generally provide sufficient calcium for good growth.
 Flue-cured tobacco is very responsive to fertilization and
over fertilization may result in a product of unsatisfactory
quality and value.