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Posted

According to Chat GTP4

Who can pick any holes:thinking:

 

Q, What are the differences in soil quality between Vuelta Abajo Cuba and Esteli Nicaragua?

 

 

Vuelta Abajo in Cuba and Estelí in Nicaragua are both renowned for their tobacco production, and the soil quality in these regions plays a significant role in the flavor and quality of the tobacco grown there. Here are some general differences in soil quality between Vuelta Abajo and Estelí:

Soil Composition: Vuelta Abajo is known for its reddish-brown soils, which are derived from limestone. The soils in Vuelta Abajo are typically rich in organic matter and have a good balance of nutrients. On the other hand, Estelí has volcanic soils that are derived from volcanic ash and have a higher mineral content.

pH Levels: The pH levels of the soils in Vuelta Abajo and Estelí can vary. Vuelta Abajo's soils tend to be slightly alkaline to neutral, with pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. In Estelí, the volcanic soils can have a wider pH range, with some areas being more acidic and others more alkaline.

Nutrient Content: Both regions have fertile soils that support tobacco cultivation, but there are differences in nutrient content. Vuelta Abajo's soils have a good balance of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Estelí's volcanic soils are rich in minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements like iron and zinc.

Water Retention and Drainage: Soil water retention and drainage characteristics can influence the growth and quality of tobacco. Vuelta Abajo's soils have good water-holding capacity, allowing for adequate moisture availability to the tobacco plants. Estelí's volcanic soils have good drainage properties, preventing excessive water retention and promoting healthier root development.

Flavor Profiles: The differences in soil composition and nutrient content contribute to variations in the flavor profiles of tobacco grown in these regions. Vuelta Abajo tobacco is known for its rich, smooth, and subtly sweet flavors, while Estelí tobacco tends to have a bolder, fuller-bodied, and spicier taste.

It's important to note that soil quality can also be influenced by other factors such as climate, farming practices, and tobacco curing techniques. These factors interact with the soil characteristics to create the unique qualities found in tobacco from Vuelta Abajo and Estelí.

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  • Confused 1
Posted

Don't see any mention of Cuban soil being more loamy or sandy/silty which makes the roots work harder, essentially stressing them. 

  • Like 2
Posted

A long time ago I read that there are underground waters in the Vuelta Abajo. Tobacco bushes feel this and in the absence of rains and artificial irrigation, they direct their roots deeper, while simultaneously extracting minerals necessary for the high organoleptic qualities of tobacco.

Posted
9 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Vuelta Abajo is known for its reddish-brown soils, which are derived from limestone.

Why would limestone create reddish-brown soils?  

Posted
7 hours ago, Ryan said:

The description of soil in Vuelta Abajo is largely wrong, but to be fair it is only repeating the inaccuracies that have been published online by magazines and forums over the last 20 years. Interestingly ChatGPT 4 is telling me today that "Vuelta Abajo Cuba has a soil that is rich in nutrients, particularly magnesium".

Using ChatGPT 4 in Bing chat will at least provide references. ChatGPT 4 used directly through Open AI will not provide references.

It seems to be getting a lot of it's information from Holts.com and Wikipedia with sprinkles of CIgarAficionado thrown in.

Garbage in: Garbage Out.

Just like every other computer in history. 

 

2 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

Why would limestone create reddish-brown soils?  

It doesn't. The answer is just garbage. There is plenty of limestone in Cuba, but Vuelta Abajo has soil derived from mostly volcanic rock, that is very high in Iron. 

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Posted
12 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

It doesn't. The answer is just garbage. There is plenty of limestone in Cuba, but Vuelta Abajo has soil derived from mostly volcanic rock, that is very high in Iron. 

Understood...It was a rhetorical question in response to the OP question.  I was just pointing out the error in the AI.  

  • Like 1
Posted

Nice work :clap:

 

CHAT CHECK is an examination of cigar/tobacco/Cuba facts via an exploration of GPT4 innacuracies :D

Posted

If you watch the movie made by James Suckling, the soil is rich in iron and copper giving it the red hue. He may have dropped off the map as far as cigars go, but that was a great short movie documenting how Cuban cigars are made seed to box.

Posted
19 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

Garbage in: Garbage Out.

Just like every other computer in history. 

 

It doesn't. The answer is just garbage. There is plenty of limestone in Cuba, but Vuelta Abajo has soil derived from mostly volcanic rock, that is very high in Iron. 

Part of the reason NIcaragua has such a great reputation for tobacco grown is that it has 19 volcanoes which are a mixture of dormant and active.  

  • Like 1

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