Optimizing tobacco quality and yield through the scientific application of organic-inorganic fertilizer in China: a meta-analysis

China is the largest producer and consumer of tobacco (<i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> L.) in the world, and the cultivation and production of tobacco have extremely high economic value and social influence. Applying organic-inorganic fertilizer is a key strategy for boosting tobacco yield and quality. This meta-analysis examines 632 observations from 169 articles to determine the precise influence of organic-inorganic fertilizer on tobacco. It evaluates the effects of different tobacco types and fertilizer compositions on yield and quality after fertilizer application. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the yield (3.4%), but it mainly improved the balance of chemical composition and enhance the quality of tobacco (high-grade tobacco, 10.3%; reducing sugar content, 5.5%; nicotine content, -5.6%). The Y85 and Y87 varieties showed the most positive response to fertilization, with yield increases of 5.59% and 5.82%, respectively, and high-grade tobacco leaf rates increased by 14.92% and 11.04%, respectively. Fertilizers with a low organic nitrogen ratio (15%-30%) are more effective for increasing yield, while those with a medium to high ratio (50%-60%) improve tobacco's chemical quality. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer balanced the nutrient distribution within the tobacco plants, leading to simultaneous increases in both yield and quality. This study quantitatively assessed the effects of organic-inorganic fertilizer on the yield and quality of tobacco and provides a solid theoretical foundation for the scientific and high-quality application of organic-inorganic fertilizer in various tobacco cultivation areas.