Soil Fertility Properties of Tobacco Growing Area in Jiyuan

Soil fertility properties of the main tobacco growing area in Jiyuan （Shaoyuan,Wangwu,Xiaye and Daiyu） in west Henan Province were analyzed. Results showed that Jiyuan was one of the potential areas which could produce tobacco leaves with high quality. Its main properties of soli fertility were as follows：the content of total nitrogen,alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen,olsen-phosphorus and organic matters were suitable for high-quality tobacco production; especially,all the flue-cured tobacco growing areas in Henan Province were rich in available potassium; besides,the concentrate of water soluble chloride ion was at reasonable level. The problem was that the micro-elements such as Zn-DTPA and available boron content were at a low level in individual areas. Based on this survey,the recommendations for fertilization in Jiyuan such as stabilizing nitrogen rate,increasing phosphorus,stabilizing potassium,and applying boron commonly and supplementing zinc for the deficient soils were put forward.

Variation of Enzyme Activity in Flue-cured Tobacco-growing Soil Planted with Different Lastseason Crops

The rice soil （last crop was rice） and arid red soil （last crop was corn） were used as a test material for the pot experiment. The variation of enzyme activi-ty in flue-cured tobacco-growing soil planted with different last-season crops was in-vestigated at different growth stages in this study. The results showed the activity variation of the 3 enzymes differed in the 2 soils at different growth stages. The catalase activity in the arid red soil trended to decrease overal from the vigorous growing stage to harvesting stage; while it decreased gradual y in the rice soil until the harvesting stage. The phosphatase activity in the 2 soils al increased with the proceeding of growth period. The urease activity in the arid red soil decreased gradual y at different growth stages, but the variation of urease activity in rice soil was irregular. During the growth of flue-cured tobacco, the catalase and urease ac-tivity in the arid red soil increased first and then decreased, and the phosphatase activity increased gradual y. ln rice soil, the catalase activity increased first and then decreased; the phosphatase activity decreased first and then increased; the urease activity increased first, then decreased and increased last. The activity of al the en-zymes in the 2 soils showed significant differences compared to the control except some enzymes at the vigorous growing stage. lt was suggested the planting of flue-cured tobacco would affect greatly the soil enzyme activities.

Relationship Between pH Value and Physical and Chemical Properties of Tobacco-growing Soil

[Objectives]This study was conducted to understand the relationship between soil pH and soil physical and chemical properties during tobacco planting.[Methods]Through a field experiment,the pH value of tobacco-growing soil,the contents of mineral nutrients(ammonium nitrogen,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen,available potassium,available phosphorus),soil bulk density and porosity were investigated.[Results]The pH value of the soil after tobacco planting increased,and the contents of ammonium nitrogen,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen,and available potassium were closely related to the change of pH value.The bulk density of the tobacco-planting soil decreased and the porosity increased.Planting flue-cured tobacco had certain impacts on soil pH,soil bulk density and other physical and chemical properties.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the investigation of the fertilization laws in the process of tobacco planting and the selection of subsequent crops.

Trace Elements Loss Characteristics in Runoff Discharge from Tobacco-Growing Red Soil in Sichuan Province of China

Trace elements are found in small concentrations in soil, yet plants require them for physiological functions. The runoff process leads to soil fertility loss by shifting soil particles and elements, and deposits them to a different position. However, there is a lack of information about the amount of trace elements that flow in tobacco-growing red soil during the natural rainy seasons due to runoff. In this study, runoff discharge was collected from two different soil mulching conditions (straw and no straw) at 15?, in Miyi county of Sichuan province, to evaluate the characteristics of trace elements in runoff discharge. The runoff discharge was filtered to separate water (runoff) from sediment. The concentrations of the elements were analyzed in samples obtained from 9 erosive rainfall events, with 3 replications for every sample. The considered trace elements were Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Molybdenum (Mo). In addition, the total amount of each element loss per unit area (total loss) was also calculated statistically. The results revealed different concentrations and total losses for the selected trace elements. The total loss in runoff ranged from 10.82 to 194.05 mg/ha, 0.62 to 18.91 mg/ha, and 0.32 to 2.37 mg/ha for Zn, Cu, and Mo, respectively. The total loss in sediment ranged from 54.65 to 12036.34 mg/ha, 44.74 to 5285.30 mg/ha, and 1.78 to 399.82 mg/ha for Zn, Cu, and Mo, respectively. Rainfall intensity, runoff depth, and sediment yield showed distinct positive correlations with the trace elements losses. The loss reduced with the addition of straw in the experimental area. Since each trace element showed distinct characteristics in the runoff and sediment, it is crucial to assess the loss of trace elements in runoff discharge from different agronomic practices. In turn, various sustainable practices of preventing soil fertility loss will be identified.

Effects of Soil Amendment on Growth,Yield and Output of Flue-cured Tobacco in South Anhui Province

[Objective] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil amend- ment composed of biochar and inorganic mineral material on growth and develop- ment, yield and output value of flue-cured tobacco in South Anhui Province. [Method] A field plot experiment was conducted. The agronomic traits, yield and output value, as well as appearance quality and flavor of flue-cured tobacco were evaluated. [Re- suit] The soil amendments composed of biochars and inorganic mineral materials could significantly increase plant height, stem diameter, leaf size, yield and output of flue-cured tobacco, as well as proportion of first-grade tobacco leaves at the middle and late growth period. The yield in the X3 treatment group （70% T20 ＋ 30% ZC） was highest, and it was higher than that in the control group by 398 kg/hm2. Com- pared with that in the control group, the output of flue-cured tobacco in the X3 treatment group was increased by 10 290 yuan/hm2. In terms of appearance quality and flavor, the flue-cured tobacco leaves in the soil amendment treatment groups were all better than those in the control group. [Conclusion] The application of soil amendment composed of biochar and inorganic mineral material is an effective mea- sure to improve tobacco-growing soil, promote tobacco growth and development, im- prove tobacco yield and output and improve tobacco leaf quality in South Anhui re- gion.

Effects of Transplanting Nutrient Soil on Growth and Dry Matter Accumulation of Tobacco Seedlings

In order to select the suitable soil for transplanting tobacco in Hunan to- bacco growing areas, pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of different transplanting nutdent soils on the growth and dry matter accumulation of tobacco. The results indicated that the treatments of transplanting with nutrition soils were better than the control group. For the underground part, transplanting nutrient soil could effectively improve the root activity of tobacco plants, and increase root volume, root surface area, total root length, as well as the number of root tips and the number of root branches. For the aboveground part, transplanting nutrient soil could remarkably improve the plant height, stem girth, leaf number and maximum leaf area, and could simultaneously significantly increase the dry matter accumulation. By comparison, peat ＋ mushroom residue ＋ saw dust ＋ straw powder ＋ bicchar ＋ root promoting nutrient solution was the most effective treatment, and the effect of sole application of nutrient solution was limited. In conclusion, transplanting with nutrition soil could effectively promote the growth and dry matter accumulation of tobacco.

Effects of Soil pH on Growth and Dry Matter Accumulation of Tobacco Plants

In order to clarify the relationships between soil pH and flue-cured tobacco growth and dry matter accumulation, effects of soil pH on root morphology and vigor, aboveground agronomic traits and dry matter accumulation of flue-cured tobacco were investigated by pot experiment. The results showed that on the whole, the intensity of soil pH on flue-cured tobacco growth and dry matter accumulation ranked as pH=6＇s 〉 pH=7＇s 〉 pH=5＇s 〉 pH=4＇s 〉 pH=8＇s. Acidic soil （pH=4） was not conducive to the early growth of tobacco plants, reduced root vigor and affected dry matter accumulation; and alkaline soil （pH=8） was not conducive to the growth of tobacco roots and shoot, reduced root vigor and affected dry matter accumulation. In conclusion, the suitable pH of soil for growth of flue-cured tobacco in Xiangxi is 5-7, but weakly acidic soil is the best.

Soil Respiration Characteristics and Its Relationship with Environmental Factors of Different Vegetation Types during Growing Season in Dongting Lake

In order to ascertain the soil carbon flux characteristics of poplar plantations and crop communities in the Dongting Lake area during the growing season and their correlation with hydrothermal conditions,soil respiration rate was monitored at fixed sites and time points with an LI-8100 A automated soil flux system.Meanwhile,the surface temperature and soil temperature and humidity were measured. The soil respiration variation in the two different vegetation types and its correlation with environmental factors were analyzed. The results showed that in the growing season,the diurnal variation curves of soil respiration rate in the two different vegetation types showed a single peak variation,but there was certain difference in the appearance time of the peak. The peak of the crop appeared around11: 00 am,while the peak of soil respiration in the poplar appeared around 13: 00. The soil respiration rate of the poplar was also significantly higher than that of the crop,and the average difference of soil respiration rate between the two was 3. 09 and 3. 55 μmol/( m^2·s) in April and August,respectively. Temperature and soil moisture were the main factors affecting soil respiration of the poplar plantation and crop community. Temperature had a greater effect on the soil respiration of the crop community,and soil humidity had a greater impact on soil respiration in the poplar plantation,showing a correlation coefficient reaching 0. 952.

Determination of Exchangeable Ca and Mg Contents in Tobacco Growing Area by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective] A method for the determination of exchangeable Ca and Mg contents in tobacco growing area by atomic absorption spectrometry was established. [Method] Factors in the extraction process, sample weight, ammonium acetate volume, extraction time and strontium chloride volume were tested, and the stability, precision and accuracy of the method were also investigated. Meanwhile, samples at different pH values were determined by this method. [Result] The results showed that this method operation has simple operation with good stability and high precision. [Conclusion] This method could be applied to determine exchangeable Ca and Mg contents in tobacco growing area.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development of Ankang Tobacco Growing Area

Sustainable development of high quality characteristic tobacco is the only path for future development of China's tobacco industry.In combination with realities of tobacco development in Ankang tobacco growing area,this paper made analysis on factors restricting sustainable development of Ankang tobacco growing area.On the basis of actual situations,it came up with recommendations including establishing scientific basic tobacco field protection system,gradually cultivating professional tobacco farmers and strengthening tobacco technician team construction,improving scientific and technological innovation,implementing standardized technologies,improving tobacco production organization mode,and improving tobacco production security mechanism.

Non-growing season soil CO_2 efflux and its changes in an alpine meadow ecosystem of the Qilian Mountains,Northwest China

Most soil respiration measurements are conducted during the growing season.In tundra and boreal forest ecosystems,cumulative,non-growing season soil CO2 fluxes are reported to be a significant component of these systems＇ annual carbon budgets.However,little information exists on soil CO2 efflux during the non-growing season from alpine ecosystems.Therefore,comparing measurements of soil respiration taken annually versus during the growing season will improve the accuracy of estimating ecosystem carbon budgets,as well as predicting the response of soil CO2 efflux to climate changes.In this study,we measured soil CO2 efflux and its spatial and temporal changes for different altitudes during the non-growing season in an alpine meadow located in the Qilian Mountains,Northwest China.Field experiments on the soil CO2 efflux of alpine meadow from the Qilian Mountains were conducted along an elevation gradient from October 2010 to April 2011.We measured the soil CO2 efflux,and analyzed the effects of soil water content and soil temperature on this measure.The results show that soil CO2 efflux gradually decreased along the elevation gradient during the non-growing season.The daily variation of soil CO2 efflux appeared as a single-peak curve.The soil CO2 efflux was low at night,with the lowest value occurring between 02：00-06：00.Then,values started to rise rapidly between 07：00-08：30,and then descend again between 16：00-18：30.The peak soil CO2 efflux appeared from 11：00 to 16：00.The soil CO2 efflux values gradually decreased from October to February of the next year and started to increase in March.Non-growing season Q10 （the multiplier to the respiration rate for a 10℃ increase in temperature） was increased with raising altitude and average Q10 of the Qilian Mountains was generally higher than the average growing season Q10 of the Heihe River Basin.Seasonally,non-growing season soil CO2 efflux was relatively high in October and early spring and low in the winter.The soil CO2 efflux was positively correlated with soil temperature and soil water content.Our results indicate that in alpine ecosystems,soil CO2 efflux continues throughout the non-growing season,and soil respiration is an important component of annual soil CO2 efflux.

Study on the Sustainable Development of the Tobacco-growing Area in South Anhui

Based on the actual situation of tobacco production in South Anhui tobacco-growing area,the paper analyzes several major constraints,and discusses several aspects such as tobacco production human resources,production of large-scale cultivation,science and technology service providers,the standardized production management and production security system. The countermeasures and suggestions for sustainable development are also put forward to provide a reference for the sustainable development of tobacco-growing area in South Anhui.

Biodiversity Risk and Opportunity Assessment in BAT Cooperative Tobacco-growing Areas

Using the method in Biodiversity Risk and Opportunity Assessment Handbook of British American Tobacco Biodiversity Partnership,we assess biodiversity risks and opportunities in BAT and China's cooperative tobacco-growing areas. The assessment results indicate that there are 8 risks and 1 opportunity. Action and monitoring plans have been made for medium and high risks as well as opportunity,to reduce impact on biodiversity.

Study on Chemical Characteristics of Rainfall in Tobacco-Growing Regions of Chenzhou, Hunan Province

In order to clarify the chemical properties of rainfall in typical tobacco areas in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, and analyze its potential for soil and flue-cured tobacco planting, rainfall samples in 2020 were collected by rainfall instruments in Fangyuan Town and Aoquan Town of Guiyang County, and the chemical properties that are closely related to the quality of flue-cured tobacco were determined, such as pH, EC, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (), ammonium nitrogen () and ion concentrations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, , Al3+, , Cl−,). The results show that the pH values of rainfall samples at Fangyuan and Aoquan monitoring sites are in the range of 4.92 - 6.17 and 4.93 - 5.69 respectively, with an average of 5.27 and 5.27 respectively. The acid rain characteristic is very obvious, which is mainly dominated by . The variation of rainfall EC has seasonal characteristics. EC is low from January to September, in the range of 6.09 - 56.72 and 11.83 - 30.93 μS/cm respectively, besides, it is high from October to December, in the range of 102.63 - 174.60 and 25.05 - 86.37 μS/cm respectively. The annual deposition of TN was 22.19 and 20.76 kg/hm2/yr respectively, which were higher than that in the western regions with less human disturbance, but lower than or equal to that in the developed agricultural regions in eastern China. The proportion of in the annual deposition of TN was higher than that of at two monitoring sites, with an average of 56.51% and 38.86% respectively. Ammonia volatilization from agricultural activities contributed more to rainfall nitrogen content. The ratios of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen deposition at two monitoring points were 1.84, 1.81, 1.86 and 1.34, 1.46, and 1.29 during the whole year, summer and autumn, winter and spring respectively. The ratio is higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring. The weighted average equivalent concentrations of the main ions at two monitoring sites were 238.88 μeq/L and 211.21 μeq/L respectively, and the orders of the ion concentrations were slightly different. Both the concentrations of and are higher, while Mg2+, and Al3+ are lower. , and are mainly from human activities with a contribution rate between 91.90% and 99.35%. Ca2+ mainly comes from soil and ground dust, besides, Cl− and Mg2+ mainly come from marine sources and K+ mainly comes from terrestrial sources. In general, the acidic rainfall and higher concentration are beneficial to reducing the high pH value of soil in Aoquan tobacco area and improving the quality of flue-cured tobacco. Higher concentrations of and in rainfall are not conducive to the improvement of flue-cured tobacco quality, because of the high content of soil available sulfur in Chenzhou tobacco area and the characteristics of flue-cured tobacco’s preference for ammonium.

Effects of Biochar on Tobacco-planting Soil Improvement and Tobacco Quality in Mudanjiang Area

This study was conducted to study the feasibility of biochar in soil im- provement and tobacco quality. The black soil in NinganCountry of Mudanjiang was used as the material in this study, and the effects of biochar on tobacco-planting soil C/N, soil microorganisms, the development of tobacco, and chemical compo- nents and neutral aroma components in flue-cured tobacco werestudied. The results showed that the application of biochar at a rate of 1 800 kg/hm2 could increase soil C/N by 31.79%, and the quantity of actinomycetes in the soil was 3.8 times as much as that in control. The growth wasobviously better after biochar application, plant height and effective leaf number were significantly higher than those ofcontrol, but total sugar and nicotine were not significantly different. The application of biochar at a rate of 1 200 kg/hm2 increased the potassium content by 11%, the application of biochar at a rate of 2 400 kg/hm2 improved total sugar content by 5.40%, and the application of biochar at a rate of 1 800 kg/hm2 made the tobacco solanone content 1.97 times as that of control. Comprehensive studies showed that the application of biochar 1 200-1 800 kg/hm2 could improvesoilenvironment, and promote tobacco growth and quality.

Effects of Different Tillage and Mulching Modes on Tobacco Output Value and Soil Quality

Based on three years of long-term fixed-site field trial, the effects of differ- ent tillage and mulching modes on the yield and output value of tobacco and soil quality were investigated. The results showed that the yield and output value of to- bacco in tillage treatment were improved by 22.72 % and 37.23 % compared with non-tillage treatment, respectively; the yield and output value of tobacco in rotation treatment were improved by 1.83% and 19.41% compared with continuous cropping treatment, respectively; the yield and output value of tobacco in straw mulching treatment were improved by 3.55% and 2.4% compared with non-straw mulching treatment, respectively, which indicated that tillage, rotation and straw mulching could improve the yield and output value of tobacco to a certain extent; especially, the yield and output value of tobacco increased significantly after plowing under rotation conditions. The contents of available phosphorus （AP）, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen （AN）, organic matter （OM）, total nitrogen （TN） and total phosphorus （TP） in non- tillage treatment were 35.14%, 9.92%, 9.57%, 4.40% and 34.16% higher compared with tillage treatment; especially, under non-tillage conditions, soil pH and contents of available potassium （AK）, AP, AN,OM,TN,TP and total potassium （TK） in continu- ous cropping field were 2.01%, 48.68%, 73.09%, 11.45%, 7.71%, 7.31%, 47.68% and 11.78% higher compared with rotation field, indicating that non-tillage treatment and continuous cropping could improve the total content and available content of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, from the perspective of soil fer- tility improvement and sustainable tobacco production, continuous cropping under non-tillage conditions might be the most appropriate cropping pattern for local soil fertility improvement; aiming at improving the yield and output value of tobacco, green manure-tobacco→, green manure/wheat/maize→green manure-tobacco ro- tation might be the most appropriate cropping pattern.

Relationships between Application Amount of Quicklime and Soil Nutrients,Flue-cured Tobacco Quality in Panzhihua City

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the improving effect of quick- lime on acid soil in tobacco-growing areas in Panzhihua City. [Method] The effects of four application amounts （450, 900, 1 350 and 1 800 kg/hm2） of quicklime on soil nutrients and flue-cured tobacco quality were observed for two consecutive years. [Result] In acid soil, the application of quicklime significantly improved soil pH. In addition, it showed significant effects on soil nutrients, flue-cured tobacco quality, tobacco output and tobacco leaf chemical components. When the application amount of quicklime was increased to 1 350 kg/hm2, the improving effect of quick- lime on soil nutrients was best, the flue-cured tobacco yield and quality all reached the highest, and the chemical components of tobacco leaves were closest to the in- herent indicators of high-quality tobacco leaves. [Conclusion] This study will provide certain reference for accurate application of quicklime in tobacco-growing area in Panzhihua City.

Effects of Straw Covering and Different Types of Potassium Fertilizer on Salinity Accumulation in Surface Layer of Tobacco-planted Paddy Soil

[Objective] This study aimed to investigation the effects of straw covering and different types of potassium fertilizer on salinity accumulation in surface layer of tobacco-planted paddy soil in southern China. [Method] Tobacco variety ‘Yunyan87’ was used as the experimental material to investigate the effects of salinity accumulation in surface layer of tobacco-planted paddy soil on the growth and development of flue-cured tobacco using different types of potassium fertilizer and mulching cultivation methods. [Result] The results showed that K＋ , Ca2＋ , SO42and NO3-were the major salt ions in topsoil at different growth stages of flue-cured tobacco, Na ＋ and Mg2＋ contents were also relatively high at vigorous growth stage, indicating that these salt ions were easily accumulated in surface layer of soil; to be specific, the absolute increase of salt ion concentration showed a decreasing order of K＋ SO42- NO3-Ca2＋ Mg2＋ Na＋ Cl-, while the relative increase of salt ion concentration showed a decreasing order of Ca2＋ K＋ Na＋ NO3-SO42-Mg2＋ Cl-. At 60 d posttransplanting, total salt content in topsoil reached the minimum of 359.1 mg/kg in Treatment 2, total salt content in topsoil reached the maximum of 536.1 mg/kg in Treatment 5 （CK）, which was significantly higher than that in other treatments. At 90 d post-transplanting, no significant difference was observed in total salt content among various treatments. At harvesting period, total salt content in topsoil reached the maximum of 3 278.4 mg/kg in Treatment 1, which was significantly higher than that in other treatments. Topsoil pH showed no significant differences among various treatments at three different periods, ranging from 5.39 to 5.59. Straw covering could effectively reduce salt content in topsoil, accelerate vigorous growth of tobacco, shorten vigorous growth period and increase plant height, leaf number and lead area; at vigorous growth stage, root vitality and root volume of tobacco were improved, but the yield and output value were relatively low. Major agronomic traits and yield of tobacco showed no significant difference among various treatments. Output value of tobacco reached the maximum of 24 196.8 yuan/hm2 in Treatment 3, which was significantly higher than that in other treatments. [Conclusion] Appropriate types and proportions of potassium fertilizer and straw covering can effectively reduce the total salt content in tobacco-planted paddy soil and increase the effective supply amount of K＋ , Ca2＋ , SO42-and NO3-, thereby promoting and improving the root vitality of tobacco, which is conducive to the growth and development of tobacco and will eventually enhance the yield, quality and economic benefits of flue-cured tobacco.

Effects of Green Manure Mixed Cropping Patterns on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil and Economic Characters of Flue-cured Tobacco

[Objective] The aim was to clear the suitable green manure cropping pat- terns in Xiangxi tobacco-planting areas. [Method] 8 treatments were set to study the effects of the monoculture and mixed cropping of common vetch （Vicia gigantea Bge.）, perennial ryegrass （Lofium） and rapeseed （Brassica campestris L.） on physi- cal and chemical properties of soil and economic characters of flue-cured tobacco. [Result] （1） Green manure turnover can reduce soil bulk density by 1.08%-8.62%, and the effect of green manure mixed cropping pattern was the best. （2） Green manure turnover also can increase the soil nutrient, soil organic matter, total nitro- gen （N）, total phosphorus （P）, total potassium （K）, alkali-hydrolyzale N, rapidly available P and rapidly available K by 1.44%-6.10%, 0.01-0.12 g/kg, 1.89%- 11.32%, 0.12%-3.56%, 1.06%-11.76%, 0.04%-18.93% and 0.98%-23.12%, respec- tively, and the effect of the monoculture of common vetch was the best.（3） The overall change of soil pH was not obvious.（4）Green manure turnover can increase the yield and output of flue-cured tobacco, and the effect of the monoculture of common vetch was the best. [Conclusion] The monoculture of common vetch can be generalized in the dry land of Xiangxi tobacco-planting areas.

Yield and Nicotine Content of Flue-Cured Tobacco as Affected by Soil Nitrogen Mineralization

Nitrogen(N)supply is the most important factor affecting yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco(FCT).A field experiment and an in situ incubation method were used to study the effects of soil N mineralization in the later stages of growth on yield and nicotine content of FCT in Fenggang and Jinsha,Guizhou Province.The yield and market value of FCT at Fenggang were much lower than those at Jinsha.However,the nicotine content of middle and upper leaves was much higher at Fenggang than at Jinsha when the same rate of fertilizer N was applied,which might be due to a higher N supply capacity at the Fenggang site.At later stages of growth(7-16 weeks after transplanting),the soil net N mineralization at Fenggang(56 kg N ha^(-1))was almost double that at Jinsha(30 kg N ha^(-1)).While soil NH_4-N and NO_3-N were almost exhausted by the plants or leached 5 weeks after transplanting,the N taken up at the later growth stages at Fenggang were mainly derived from soil N mineralization,which contributed to a high nicotine content in the upper leaves.The order of soil N contribution to N buildup in different leaves was:upper leaves>middle leaves>lower leaves.Thus,soil N mineralization at late growth stages was an important factor affecting N accumulation and therefore the nicotine content in the upper leaves.