"GETTING TOBACCO IN PROPER ORDER" Mitch Smith, County Extension Director Pitt County Extension Center Greenville, NC 27834

While growing up on a tobacco farm near Oak City, North Carolina, postponing a day of harvest due to a barn which never came into order was an unexpected prize. However, as I matured, I came to realize how important each day was in terms of harvest. Today, ordering tobacco is a skill which is essential to both the efficient use of barn space and good quality leaf.

PROPER ORDER FOR QUALITY

Proper ordering of tobacco involves adding moisture to the tobacco in a controlled and consistent manner throughout the barn. Tobacco which is considered to be in good order is about 13-15% moisture. At this moisture content, leaves have stems which are pliable and will break when bent to 90 degree angles. Most buying stations prefer tobacco to have no more than 18% moisture.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF ORDERING TOBACCO

Some growers feel that tobacco is harder to order using outside air compared to years ago. This observation may be correct since our production season is longer and often extends into the fall. In addition, the tobacco varieties grown today have thicker leaves which absorb water slower than older varieties.

THE SCIENCE OF ORDERING TOBACCO

Research conducted at North Carolina State University compared ordering times of bulk-cured tobacco using different watering methods. One method resembling the traditional methods of ordering tobacco simply allowed water to be placed on the floor of the curing barn. This resulted in slower ordering due to the fact that the water cannot evaporate fast enough to bring tobacco into order.

The most effective method of ordering tobacco consisted of using a fine spray with a nozzle such as a TX-1. This method produced a very fine droplet size which results in a smaller droplet and a greater evaporation efficiency along. A flow meter attached to this equipment can help to regulate the proper water to be introduced into the barn.

THE MATH OF PROPER ORDERING During this test, it was determined that if a barn weighs 3,000 pounds at the end of the cure, the tobacco must absorb 500 pounds of water (60 gallons) to bring it into an acceptable order. This water must either be taken from the air or added by artificial means. Under normal conditions, it takes about 50 gallons per hour for about four hours to get tobacco in order.

RECOMMENTATIONS FOR PROPER ORDERING

The following recommendations are provided to have more dependable ordering and also to decrease the total time required.

Start the ordering process as soon as curing is completed. Adding moisture to the tobacco while it is still warm greatly decreases the time required. However, proceed with caution by allowing the temperature in the barn to cool to a maximum of 140 degree F. This prevents damage to the heat exchanger and avoids discoloring of the leaf. Such cooling should take at least one hour.

Use cone nozzles for the finest spray in order to increase the moisture level of the air stream.

At the end of ordering, shut of the water, close the vents and operate the fans for an additional half-hour to allow the moisture in the tobacco to equalize throughout the barn.

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.