SmokeStack
Well-Known Member
I am in the process of developing a fertilizer that is specific to tobacco. I selected ingredients which are relatively atoxic and environmentally friendly. The ingredients meet the American Chemical Society (ACS) standards of ultra-high purity. The formula provides a good dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for vigorous growth along with trace minerals to replenish the soil. The formula is slightly acidic and keeps the soil at the right pH. Also, I have purposely excluded chloride from the formula since chloride impedes the smoking characteristics of tobacco. I have been researching fertilizer for quite some time now and I could not find a source that meets the aforementioned criteria.
For my experimental study, I am using TN90 and Yellow Orinoco. Already, I have observed marked changes in leaf growth and coloring in comparison to the control subjects. I need another season for testing to obtain comprehensive results. I want to measure other factors such as nicotine levels that require the use of specialized instrumentation (GC/MS). I also would need a complete soil analysis.
I administer the fertilizer to the tobacco plants as a solution by dissolving a calculated amount of the fertilizer in deionized water. Then I add one liter of this solution per plant. The next day I water each plant with one liter of water to help wash down the fertilizer closer to the roots.
I will provide updates of results as my experimenting continues. I know that this is a lot of work just for fertilizer, but, as a chemist, I find it to be more of a hobby than anything else.
For my experimental study, I am using TN90 and Yellow Orinoco. Already, I have observed marked changes in leaf growth and coloring in comparison to the control subjects. I need another season for testing to obtain comprehensive results. I want to measure other factors such as nicotine levels that require the use of specialized instrumentation (GC/MS). I also would need a complete soil analysis.
I administer the fertilizer to the tobacco plants as a solution by dissolving a calculated amount of the fertilizer in deionized water. Then I add one liter of this solution per plant. The next day I water each plant with one liter of water to help wash down the fertilizer closer to the roots.
I will provide updates of results as my experimenting continues. I know that this is a lot of work just for fertilizer, but, as a chemist, I find it to be more of a hobby than anything else.