Effect of Ca, K and B supply on growth of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

The effect of Ca:K ratios and B nutrition was investigated using tobacco and cotton grown in Mitcherlich pots with sand. A nutrient solution with three different ratios of Ca:K and two boron levels was used. Treatments were arranged factorially (3 × 2) and the tobacco and cotton trials were carried out simultaneously under identical greenhouse conditions. Both crops gave the highest yield of leaves at the low Ca:K ratio. For tobacco, where leaves are the end product, this treatment also delayed deterioration of the leaves on the plant during senescence, especially when sufficient B was supplied. This ensured cured leaves with a high sugar content and good moisture-holding capacity. For cotton, the ability of plants to retain their bolls was best at the intermediate Ca:K ratio, resulting in the highest boll yield and probably indicating a need for a higher Ca:K ratio.