Abstract:
The basic physical and chemical properties of the soil in local tea plantations were determined. Formulated and conventional fertilizations were applied for comparison on their effects on yield and quality of the teas grown with the applications. The results showed that the appropriately formulated fertilization (1) improved the balance on nutrients in soil reducing the demand of fertilizer; (2) increased the yield of tea shoots 1%~3% as well as the amino acid content in the tea; (3) reduced the polyphenol/amino acid ratio of the tea; and, (4) raised the production revenue by 3%~6%. Furthermore, it could also potentially mitigate the environmental pollution by advoiding over-fertilization and excessive runoff, as well as contribute to the sustainable agriculture through maximizing fertilization efficiency.