Five field experiments were conducted during 1987–89 to determine the effectiveness of using activated carbon in transplant water to reduce injury to tobacco from herbicides incorporated before transplanting. Herbicides used were dicamba, chlorimuron, atrazine, lactofen, flumetralin, pendimethalin, pebulate, and imazaquin. Activated carbon was applied in the transplant water at a rate of 9 kg ha–1 in 1987 and 18 kg ha–1 in 1988 and 1989. Measurements taken were visual stunting ratings, yield, grade index, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots, and percent sugars and total alkaloids in cured leaves. Activated carbon consistently reduced phytotoxicity of imazaquin and chlorimuron. As much as four- and two-fold yield increases were obtained when imazaquin and chlorimuron, respectively, were applied in conjunction with activated carbon. Less consistent results were obtained in reducing the phytotoxic effects of dicamba, atrazine, and flumetralin. Phytotoxicity without activated carbon was not consistently obtained with lactofen, pendimethalin, or pebulate.