The effects of methods of application, depth of placement and spacing of fertilizer on yield and quality characteristics of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, var. Kutsanga E1) were studied at Mwimba Research Station in Kasungu, Malawi on Kampuru soil series for three seasons, 1980-83. Two methods of fertilizer application, double dollop and double band, were compared, together with two depths of application, 8 and 15 cm, and two spacings, 10 and 20 cm away from the plant. Methods of application, depth of placement and spacing of fertilizer from the plant failed to influence yield, price index and crop value in all three seasons. Application of fertilizer in a band improved grade index in 1982-83 season. Cured leaf proportion of grade 1 was significantly increased by methods x depth and methods x spacing interactions during the 1981-82 season. Percent lemon colour of cured leaf was significantly reduced by depth x spacing interaction in 1981-82 tobacco year. All other interactions over the seasons were nonsignificant. It appears from these trials that the importance of correct fertilizer placement is of much less significance than originally thought.