Fertilizers

I. Poor Quality Manifestations The main manifestations of poor quality in albino tea include overgrowth of new shoots, distortion of buds and leaves, hindered recovery to green, and physiological disorders. 1. Overgrowth of New Shoots Overgrowth is the mildest manifestation of poor quality. When new shoots develop to have two or three leaves, they no longer produce new leaves but instead show a significant increase in stem length. The length of a one-bud-two-or-three-leaves shoot can reach over 10 cm, sometimes even exceeding 15 cm. These buds and leaves are well-albino, but due to their excessive length, they are unsuitable for flat or strip-shaped tea processing. However, there is still room for processing into coiled or curled teas. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in leaf-white type albino teas. Morphology of Overgrown Albino Shoots 2. Distortion of Buds and Leaves Distortion primarily occurs in tea buds that sprout later during lower temperatures. It is characterized by hooked bud shapes, hardened green stems, long and slender leaves resembling willow leaves, twisted leaf surfaces with asymmetric veins, irregular leaf margins, and snow-white coloration that is hard and thin. These buds and leaves cannot be processed into normal fresh leaf shapes, and the…

With the drop in temperature, the growth of the above-ground parts of tea trees slows down gradually while that of the underground parts remains relatively active. Applying base fertilizer in autumn can improve the efficiency of fertilizer use by the tea trees and contribute to enhancing the quality and yield of spring tea the following year. Therefore, it is essential to apply base fertilizers scientifically to tea trees in autumn. I. Principles of Fertilization 1. Organic and chemical fertilizers should be used in combination, with organic fertilizers replacing part of the chemical fertilizers, and base fertilizers should be applied deeply; 2. Maintain a suitable nutrient ratio. Based on soil fertility conditions and tea yield, determine the nitrogen fertilizer amount and enhance the combined application of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium fertilizers, paying attention to the supplementation of sulfur, boron, and other nutrients; 3. For tea gardens with severely acidified soils (soil pH < 4), measures such as applying lime, soil conditioners, or increasing the application of mature livestock manure can be taken to gradually improve the soil; 4. Combine scientific fertilization with green cultivation techniques that increase yield and efficiency. II. Methods of Fertilization 1. Timing of base fertilizer application: It…

Impacted by a moderate-strength El Niño event, and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the global average temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that temperatures in most regions of China will be close to or higher than the long-term average this winter through to next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions is expected to be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. Given these complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help them safely overwinter and lay a foundation for high-quality tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how should we manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we look at the winter and spring tea garden management technical guidelines developed jointly by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, and the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Preventing Frost Damage Monitor weather forecasts closely. Before a cold wave, implement frost protection measures such as…

Summer and autumn are critical periods for tea garden management. Strengthening summer and autumn tea garden production management is the foundation for ensuring high-quality and high-yield summer and autumn tea and the following spring tea. The Planting Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, together with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Tea Industry Technology System, have developed the following technical guidance on summer and autumn tea garden production management and disaster prevention and mitigation. Strengthening Tea Garden Production Management (1) Tea Plant Pruning - For year-round harvesting tea gardens, promptly perform the initial light pruning after spring tea harvesting, cutting off the top 5-10 cm of shoots from the canopy. During summer tea harvesting, it is advisable to allow some growth retention and use the leaf-retention method or tip-picking method to maintain an appropriate leaf layer thickness. Harvesting should be appropriately stopped earlier in autumn to avoid affecting the yield and quality of the following year's spring tea. To cultivate a good picking surface, the second light pruning should be completed before mid-July, with the pruning height…

The tea regions of Guiyang City have been frequently impacted by extreme spring weather in recent years. According to meteorological forecasts, the city is expected to experience another cold wave soon. To cope with the upcoming temperature drops, thunderstorms, and late spring cold snaps, this document, "Preventive and Remedial Measures for Low-Temperature Freeze Damage (Late Spring Cold Snap) in Guiyang and Guian Tea Gardens," has been specially formulated for your reference. I. Preventive Measures (1) Pay Attention to Cold Wave Forecasts Strengthen forecasting and early warning systems for disastrous weather conditions, promptly issue cold wave information, and prepare in advance. After a cold wave forecast is released, tea gardens that are already open should mobilize manpower to harvest as much as possible to minimize losses from frost damage. (2) Cover Tea Gardens for Frost Protection Straw, bamboo leaves, and rice husks can be spread between rows of tea plants to keep them warm, ideally at a thickness of about 10 centimeters, which can generally increase temperatures by 1-2°C. In tea gardens on windward slopes prone to frost damage, cover the canopy with straw, weeds, or shade nets, not too tightly so that the tea plants are still visible. This will…

Affecting a moderate-strength El Niño event and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the average global temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that most regions in China will have temperatures similar to or higher than the long-term average this winter through next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions will be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. In response to complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help ensure their safe overwintering and lay the groundwork for high-quality and high-yield tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how can we properly manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we explore the winter-spring tea garden management guidelines developed by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Freeze Prevention Closely monitor weather forecasts and implement protective measures such as mulching between rows and covering the canopy…

As is known to all, boiling tea, steaming tea, and infusing tea are three different ways of enjoying tea. Boiling tea is a form of tea art. During the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese people used to drink boiled tea. Infusing tea is also an art. As the saying goes: "Use boiling water for aged tea and hot water for tender tea." Boiling refers to using freshly boiled water, while infusing means using water from a thermos. Steaming tea, however, is quite rare. In Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Guangxi, there is another popular way of enjoying tea: braising. Braising is a commonly used cooking method in southern cuisine. In southeastern Guangxi, there is a unique custom where serving tea is a way of hospitality for locals. Guests are welcomed with tea as if it were wine, and the tea remains warm even after guests leave. This is a tradition among the people of Liubao. "No tea to taste" implies that the host is either indifferent or lazy by nature. If you visit someone and "do not even taste the tea," it suggests disrespect towards the host. The reason why locals choose to braise their tea might be due to…

Severe Infestation of Tea Looper How to Cope, Find Out Here It is currently late summer and early autumn, with cool weather in the morning and evening. This year has seen more rain than usual, resulting in vigorous growth of tea plants with lush green leaves, providing rich food for tea plant pests. According to investigations into the infestation of tea loopers in Longwu tea gardens, various age groups of larvae coexist, with severe overlapping generations. In some severely affected areas of tea gardens, the older leaves have been completely consumed, affecting the growth of tea plants, which requires close attention from tea garden managers. Due to differences in cultivation and management practices among individual households, the timing of infestations and the degree of damage vary across different tea gardens, making pest control challenging. It is essential to strengthen pest monitoring through field observations and the use of trapping devices, promptly understanding the dynamics of pest outbreaks and implementing appropriate measures: 1. Turn on insect-killing lamps, taking advantage of the fact that adult tea loopers are most active between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Set the operating times of the lamps accordingly, ideally using a light-controlled mode where they automatically…

Good tea thrives with proper nutrition; fertilizers are the material foundation for increasing yield and improving quality in tea production. Fertilization plays a crucial role in the growth of tea plants and the yield and quality of tea leaves. While some nutrients are supplied by the soil itself, its nutrient content is limited and subject to environmental factors, leading to significant losses through leaching and volatilization, which greatly reduces nutrient availability. This is insufficient to meet the needs of tea plant growth, let alone high yields and quality standards. Additionally, as a leaf-harvesting crop, the annual harvest of large quantities of buds and leaves removes a certain amount of nutrients. Therefore, most nutrients must be replenished through fertilization. When soil nutrient imbalances occur or there is an extreme deficiency of one or more nutrients, it is necessary to use appropriate fertilizers to correct the nutritional deficiencies to ensure high-yield and high-quality tea production. Therefore, proper management of tea gardens during different seasons is crucial, and fertilization is a key technology in garden management that should receive significant attention. Especially during autumn, a critical period for tea garden management, the focus is on rapidly restoring tree vigor to lay the groundwork…

Tea gardens are characterized by a diverse range of weeds, complex weed communities, and strong stability. According to incomplete surveys and statistics, there are as many as 202 common weed species found in domestic tea gardens, belonging to 49 families and 163 genera. Weeds can impact the growth of tea plants, causing symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and delayed development. They may also carry diseases or pests that affect tea plants directly or act as intermediate hosts, indirectly impacting the growth and development of tea plants. "Grass to suppress grass" is an integral part of the green and efficient prevention and control technology system for Guizhou tea gardens, embodying the concept of "ecology at its root, agriculture at its core, and biological control first." Planting white clover in tea gardens can effectively suppress weeds and resist tea plant diseases and pests. Below are key technical points for reference. White clover in tea gardens and pollinating insects - bees Intercropping white clover in tea gardens Effective "grass to suppress grass" In recent years, research teams from Guizhou University, the Provincial Plant Protection and Inspection Station, the Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Provincial Soil and Fertilizer…

The main goal is to improve the soil condition, increase nutrient availability, and create favorable conditions for tea plant growth, with tasks including soil cultivation, weeding, fertilization, and moisture retention. I. Garden Cultivation Reasonable cultivation is an important measure to improve the soil condition in tea gardens, which can enhance the micro-ecological environment of the soil and provide good conditions for the growth and development of tea plants, improving their vigor. 1. Shallow Cultivation and Weeding The purpose of shallow cultivation in tea gardens is to remove weeds, loosen the surface soil, and improve the micro-ecological environment of the surface soil layer. The depth of shallow cultivation is generally around 5 cm, and it can be combined with top-dressing and soil mounding. It's also essential to clear weeds and brambles around the tea garden promptly. For young tea gardens that are not yet closed row, cultivation should be done whenever weeds appear, requiring six to seven weedings per year. Since the root system of young tea gardens does not penetrate deeply in the planting year, shallow cultivation before the high-temperature season should be done early to avoid drought immediately after cultivation. For mature tea gardens, cultivation is divided into spring,…