Effect of water-retaining agent on the growth and yield of flue-cured tobacco

The pot and field experiments were carried out to study the effect of water-retaining agent on the growth and yield of flue-cured tobacco. The results of pot experiment showed that when the dosage of water-retaining agent was in the range of 1.0-3.0 g/plant, the evaporation of soil moisture decreased significantly, the growth of tobacco root, stem and leaf was promoted significantly. The results of field experiments showed that the application of water-retaining agent increased total sugar content and reducing sugar content, decreased nicotine content, total nitrogen content and chlorine ion content, promoted the chemical composition harmonization and improved the tobacco quality. Economic benefit increased111.4 yuan per 667 m2 used in 3.0 kg per 667 m2 when transplanted with nutrition soil. It could reduce the evaporation of soil, increase water retention property of soil, promote the growth of tobacco plant, improve the yield and quality, and increase the economic benefit by application of water retaining agent.