Field experiments were conducted at the West Farm of Murray State University near Murray, KY in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate dark-fired tobacco response to potassium application rate and timing. Soil test K indexes were in the low range both years, and K₂O recommendations were 290 lbs K₂O/A in 2012 and 260 lbs K₂O/A in 2013. In addition to these recommended K₂O rates, treatments included 50% of the recommendation (145 lbs K₂O/A in 2012 and 130 lbs K₂O/A in 2013) and 150% of the recommendation (435 lbs K₂O/A in 2012 and 390 lbs K₂O/A in 2013). Each of these three rates were applied either broadcast 1 day prior to transplanting or band-applied (2 bands per row) 7 days after transplanting. A control that received no K₂O was included in each year. Mild potassium deficiencies that were more pronounced in the dry 2012 season were seen for several weeks in the control plots but no differences were observed were potassium was applied. Although not statistically significant, small trends were seen for increased yield and increased quality grade index as potassium rate increased for either application timing in 2012. These trends were not seen during the excessively wet 2013 season. (Reprinted with permission)