EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM AND CHLORINE ON THE PRODUCTION OF TOBACCO SEEDLINGS
In a tobacco greenhouse experiment, potassium was applied to the muck layer at 3.32, 6.64, 9.96, 13.28, and 16.60 pounds, with and without 3 pounds of chlorine, per 900 square feet. A check treatment received no potassium or chlorine. Greatest total dry weight per plot and highest rate of survival of seedlings in the field was obtained with the 3.32-pound rate of potassium with or without chlorine; dry weight of tops, height of plant, leaf area, and total dry weight per plot tended to decrease with each increment of potassium above 3.32 pounds. High levels of applied potassium increased soluble salts in the muck to a level which retarded plant growth. Apparently the muck was capable of releasing large amounts of potassium for plant growth as more potassium was taken up by the plants than was supplied by the 3.32-pound rate. Chlorine in the fertilizer increased the total ash and potassium content of the seedlings but tended to decrease the nitrogen. Potassium and chlorine had no effect on the weight of roots and relative turgidity of the plants.