As of June 9th, the entire state of North Carolina is under drought conditions, with tobacco growing regions ranging from moderate to exceptional drought conditions (Figure 1). While tobacco can handle some dry weather, the drought thus far in the growing season is exceptional and likely beyond what can be tolerated without irrigation for most of the crop.

The article linked here does a great job covering irrigation considerations for tobacco in a drought. Instead of writing a completely new article, here are a few key takeaways from the previous article for June 2026, as well as a couple of added thoughts.

Crop stage is important, especially when irrigation water is limited.

• Irrigation is typically not recommended between transplanting and layby. In fact, moderate stress during this time can encourage root growth. However, this is not a typical year, and we are past moderate stress in many areas. If your crop is not yet at layby and growth has been significantly delayed, consider irrigation. Irrigate enough to make it worth it, but not excessively.
• Water is most critical between layby and topping as this is when roughly 80% of tobacco growth occurs. About one inch per week (from rain and irrigation combined) during this time is ideal. If you are at this stage, consider irrigation, even if water available for irrigation is limited.
• After topping, the plant is losing less water via transpiration, and the water need is reduced.

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in tobacco production, and the majority of nitrogen is taken up by the plant roots in water. Water not only makes nitrogen move into the plant, it also makes it leach out of the rooting zone. Without any rain, where is the nitrogen? A significant portion of it is probably right where you left it – in the fertilizer band.

The interaction between nitrogen and water affects a couple of different management decisions right now. First, if you are an Old or Middle Belt grower approaching layby, be sure not to over-fertilize the crop at layby. There is likely more nitrogen still plant-available in the soil than usual at this time of year, and excess nitrogen would likely delay ripening. Second, for those in the eastern part of the state that are around or right after topping, this is when we typically want to run out of nitrogen in the soil so that the plant can begin the ripening process. Thus, irrigating sooner rather than later will get that nitrogen in the plant where it belongs and allow the crop to begin ripening. This will hopefully avoid a late-season green-up. Ultimately, when considering irrigation at or after topping, be sure to think about how much nitrogen you have applied, how much rain/irrigation you have gotten thus far, and how much nitrogen might still be in the soil. Then, consider how that would affect your crop with irrigation now as compared to a future rain event later (that may or may not come).

A couple last points from the article to increase water use efficiency. First, good weed control reduces competition with the crop for limited soil moisture. Second, early topping and effective sucker control reduce plant demand for water.

As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your local County Extension Agent with questions.