The effect of different nitrogen rates on soil nitrogen status for planting tobacco and quality of flue-cured tobacco were studied. The experiment were carried out in a very fertile field of Linyi tobacco growing areas with three nitrogen rate, including non-nitrogen (N0), 82.5 kg/ha (N1) and 105 kg/ha (N2). The results showed that the soil NO3ˉ- N and NH4+- N contents and dry matter accumulation in tobacco plants were enhanced with the increase of nitrogen rates. In the whole growing stage of tobacco, the nitrogen content of tobacco plants declined, and the downward trend appeared slowly with the increase of nitrogen rates. The upper leaves exhibited increased nicotine content with the increase of nitrogen rates, while the middle and lower leaves appeared the opposite.