The float system continues to increase in popularity as a means of Burley tobacco transplant production in Kentucky. Fertilization of float water has presented many problems for producers. Producers using fertility levels recommended for other types of tobacco grown in other states have experienced plant growth and disease. High float water fertility is closely correlated with the incidence of the bacterial disease black leg (Erwinia spp.), algal growth and high salt levels. To evaluate float plant response, float beds were fertilized with 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 ppm nitrogen from 20-10-20 initially. At 14 days the 0 and 50 ppm beds were raised to 100 ppm. Conductivity of the water in each bed was monitored with a Hanna dissolved solids tester and fertility adjusted to maintain levels. Concentrated solutions of fertilizer were added to float beds and distribution was measured over time. Germination, spiral root development, root growth and plant development were measured. Incidence of algae and fertilizer distribution in float beds were evaluated. Initial low rates of fertilizer reduced the incidence of algae, but did not effect germination and plant growth. A fertility level of 250 ppm nitrogen produced high levels of algae and affected initial growth and development of plants. Delaying the addition of fertilizer until 14 days increased the difficulty of achieving an even distribution of fertility in float beds. Delaying the addition of fertilizer for 14 days will reduce algal problems, but active distribution of added concentrates is necessary. Maintaining nitrogen levels below 150 ppm could reduce incidence of black leg and produce optimum growth.