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. Combine scientific fertilization with green cultivation techniques that increase yield and efficiency.
II. Methods of Fertilization
1. Timing of base fertilizer application: It is advisable to apply the base fertilizer after the end of the tea season, from late September to late October.
2. Depth of fertilization: The depth of fertilization should be determined based on the age of the tea trees. For young tea gardens, fertilizers should be applied 15-25 cm away from the root collar at a depth of 15-25 cm. For mature tea gardens, fertilizers can be applied around the vertical edge of the Tree canopy at a depth of about 30 cm. After fertilizing, it is advisable to moisten the fertilized area through micro-sprinkling or drip irrigation to promote the absorption and utilization of the fertilizers.
3. Types and amounts of base fertilizers: Base fertilizers should primarily consist of organic fertilizers, such as composted manure, oilcake, cow and sheep dung, commercial organic fertilizers, etc. Homemade composting of organic fertilizers is encouraged, and a small amount of low-nitrogen compound fertilizers (such as tea tree-specific fertilizers) can be mixed in and applied together. The amount of fertilizer depends on the production level of the Tea Garden. Generally, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer in the base fertilizer accounts for 30%-40% of the annual total, and all phosphorus and trace elements can be applied as base fertilizer. Potassium and magnesium can also be applied as a single base fertilizer if the amounts are not large. For young tea gardens, about 1,000-1,500 kg of farmyard manure per mu and approximately 20 kg of compound fertilizer can be applied. For mature tea gardens, about 2,000-2,500 kg of farmyard manure per mu and approximately 50 kg of compound fertilizer, or 1.5-2 tons of matured farmyard organic fertilizer, or 150-200 kg of fermented soybean cake fertilizer, or 300-400 kg of commercial organic fertilizer per mu can be applied.
Contributed by: Agricultural Technology Center, Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,