Abstract:
The objective of this study was to identify management zones (MZ) in tobacco-planted fields based on tobacco quality, to recommend fertilizer by the rational fertilization models, and to provide a solid foundation for scientifically formulated management zone and recommended fertilizer. One hundred and eleven soil samples were collected from top 20 cm soil layers based on an approximately 20 m grid of study area, and 8 soil properties were analyzed. The 39 flue-cured tobacco samples were obtained from the corresponding soil sample locations, the index of tobacco quality was analyzed. The rational fertilization models were built with field trials for each management zones. The results showed that the larger spatial variability and obvious spatial distribution pattern existed in soil properties. The four quality-limiting factors, including soil organic matter (OM), available phosphorous (AP), available potassium (AK) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found by stepwise regression analysis. The four factors were considered as the variables for delineating MZs, and the study area was classified into four MZs. The fertilization recommendation for each MZs were generated by fertilization models and management zones, and using the quality of tobacco evaluate the effect of fertilization recommendation. The results indicated that the quality of tobacco in fertilization recommendation zone was better than the conventional fertilization with the chemical components and content of aroma constituent in flue-cured tobacco leaves. This study provides a soil foundation for formulated management zone and fertilization models, and open up a new idea for precision agriculture research.