Tobacco Sapling Plantation Stages

Stages of Plantation
In Lebanon, the life cycle of tobacco, from sapling to picking, lasts between 80 and 140 days, depending on the location and altitude of the site.

Soil and Environmental Factors
Tobacco saplings require medium-warm temperatures of around 28 degrees centigrade and a humidity of between 65 and 75%. Tobacco grows in various types of soil, though prefers light sandy soil of medium depth to allow for ventilation and irrigation for long periods of time. Soil containing pebbles is also preferred, as the pebbles help to maintain temperature and humidity levels. Growth rates depend on water being available, though there are differences between watered and un-watered varieties.

Un-watered tobacco, like Saadi Six, can grow in un-watered land and can grow with rain water and does not need irrigation, except in times of drought. Watered tobacco, like Barly and tunbac, requires large amounts of water and has to be irrigated.

 

 

Regie distributes tobacco seeds, which are harvested and sorted at the Saadiyat and Kfar Saroon fields, to the farmers. Previously, famers were responsible for collecting their own seeds.

2. Plowing

Each site is plowed three times per year.

• First Plowing: This takes place at the end of summer. The earth is first deeply plowed in order to ventilate the soil, breaking it to allow rain water to penetrate the ground and collect. The plowing also exposes insects and their larvae to the surface and the air where atmospheric elements help to destroy them. Additionally, the remains of the previous crop is turned into the earth, enriching the soil and aiding the fertility of the site.
• Second Plowing: At the end of the winter season the soil is shallowly plowed to break up the soil and remove any grass that might have grown. Removing the grass aids the fertility of the soil, allowing the site to retain the full energy value of the earth.
• Third Plowing: The third plowing occurs immediately before plantation and aims to remove any remaining grass and assist the sapling roots in penetrating the soil. An initial fertilization of the soil takes place at this time and the planting is also planned.

3. Fertilization

Fertilization is a vital element of successful farming, it greatly aids production and dramatically reduces costs. Experts have long determined the correct fertilizers to use with each crop and have studied the impact of different soils, crops and other factors. As a result, tobacco fertilization takes place in the following steps:
- First Fertilization: Prior to the first plowing, organic fertilizer is placed on the site and is turned into the soil during the plowing.

 

Nutritional Elements Vital for Tobacco Saplings
Nitrogen or Azotes: These play a major role in feeding the green parts of the plant
Phosphorous: Plays a major role in root formation, allowing the plant to receive nutrients and water
Potassium: Improves the quality of the leaves, ensures growth and aids in the fighting of disease and dryness
Other Metals: Calcium, zinc and magnesium, all of which the plant needs, but at very low levels