Factors Affecting Tobacco Growth

Atmospheric factors affect the growth of tobacco and determine the success of the crop and, in turn, how much can harvested.

Temperature
The ideal temperature for healthy tobacco growth is 28 degrees centigrade. If the temperature is higher for long periods the plant will wither and the young plant will be burnt by the sun. If the temperature drops below 8 degrees, the plant will freeze and be stunted.

Rain
In order for tobacco to grow naturally and fully develop it requires sufficient water. Eastern tobacco planted in Lebanon is deemed an un-watered class and grow and ripen during the summer season when no rain falls and the temperature rises. Eastern tobacco needs no irrigation, and is fed by the humidity stored in the soil during the winter and spring seasons.

Evaporation
Evaporation refers to the amount of water that evaporates from the soil through emulsification, which is affected by the amount of water in the soil, temperature, sunshine and the wind.

Humidity
Atmospheric humidity affects the growth of tobacco as it contributes to supplying the plant with the water it needs during the course of its life. The best humidity rates range between 70 and 75%.

Sunshine
The amount of sunshine affects the growth rate and chemical makeup of tobacco.

Wind
Wind affects the growth of tobacco subject to its extent, speed, humidity and temperature.