Abstract:
Objective The aims were to investigate the effects of different tillage depths on the root development, biomass accumulation, and yield quality of flue-cured tobacco in Chongqing area.
Methods A field experiment was conducted in Pengshui County of Chongqing in 2024, using the tobacco variety of "K326" as the research material. The experiment included three treatments: 15 cm tillage depth (CK, rotary tillage), 25 cm (T25, medium tillage depth), and 35 cm (T35, deep tillage). The root traits, gronomic traits, ground and above ground dry matters of tobacco plants were measured at different growing stages, whereas the yields, output values and qualities for different treatments were compared.
Results ① Deep tillage significantly increased the fresh weight of roots in the 0-50 cm soil layer, promoted vertical root growth. With the increase in tillage depth, the root distribution in the soil layer also increased. ② Deep tillage significantly promoted root growths, enhanced root vitalities at various growth stages, and effectively delayed root aging. ③ Deep tillage effectively promoted tobacco plant growth and biomass accumulation, significantly improved the yield and economic value of tobacco plants.
Conclusion Deep tillage could effectively promote root growth, improve agronomic traits, and increase dry matter accumulation, thereby to improve the yield and economic value of tobacco plants.