The CNTC-Soquimich cooperative program: better fertilization, better tobacco. (China National Tobacco Corporation)

The CNTC-Soquimich Cooperative Program: Better Fertilization, Better Tobacco

China is the largest tobacco producer in the world, most of it being the fluecured type. China has considerable potential for tobacco leaf export, although its participation in international tobacco trade has been very limited so far. High internal demand and traditional agronomic techniques, leading to lead characteristics oriented to the domestic market, have been indicated as factors limiting tobacco exports from China.

To address some of the agronomic problems of leaf production and quality for the export market, technical studies were initiated in 1985 through a cooperative project between the Institute of Soil Science-Academia Sinica (ISSAS), the China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM). The objective of the project has been to produce information on how to improve yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco in China by means of adequate fertilizer use, and proper harvesting and curing techniques. Field trials were conducted with emphasis on nitrogen and potassium since both elements are the most important nutrients for tobacco production.

Rates and sources of nitrogen and potassium have been main factors studied. Experiments have …