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 covering the rows between tea plants and the Canopy with straw, mats, plastic film, or shade nets. After the cold wave, remove the canopy covers promptly; before a cold wave, spray amino acid foliar fertilizers on the leaves, and add dipotassium phosphate to improve the resistance of the tea plants; during a cold wave, continuous irrigation can be used to reduce cold and frost damage. Once temperatures return to normal, prune affected tea gardens lightly. For gardens with minor frost damage, perform light Pruning to remove dead branches and leaves while maintaining the picking surface. For gardens with severe frost damage, conduct deeper pruning to remove dead branches.
Tea Garden Covered with Shade Nets
Tea Garden Sprinkler Irrigation
1.2 Preventing Spring Drought
For tea gardens with irrigation facilities, repair and maintain them promptly, clean reservoirs, and store water when available. Cover the spaces between rows, especially in young tea gardens, with crop stalks to retain moisture. After rainfall, cultivate the Soil shallowly to conserve water.
Crop Stalks Covering Rows Between Tea Plants
2. Nutritional Management
2.1 Increasing Organic Fertilizer
Applying organic fertilizer in autumn and winter promotes tea plant growth and improves the quality of fresh leaves. Based on soil fertility and the nutrient content of the organic fertilizer, regions capable of doing so can apply it via trench application along the drip line of the tea plants from October to late November, typically around 200 kg per mu (approx. 0.067 hectares).
Applying Organic Fertilizer to Tea Gardens
2.2 Applying Foliar Fertilizers
To enhance nutrient storage in tea plants and improve the yield and quality of spring tea, apply amino acid foliar fertilizers once in December, and then 1-2 more times in January to February, with intervals of more than two weeks between applications. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used for spraying.
UAV Spraying of Foliar Fertilizers
2.3 Applying Nitrogen Fertilizer
In premium tea-producing areas, apply fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer about 30 days before the start of spring tea harvesting, using approximately 5-8 kg of pure nitrogen per mu. In oolong tea and bulk green tea-producing areas, apply fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer 20-30 days before the start of harvesting, also using approximately 5-8 kg of pure nitrogen per mu.
3. Preparations for Spring Tea Production
3.1 Maintenance of Production Equipment
Repair and maintain equipment used for picking, processing, and field operations to ensure they are in good working condition; fill any gaps by purchasing and installing missing equipment promptly.
3.2 Procurement of Production Materials
Purchase necessary materials in advance, including fertilizers, fuel, and pest control products required for spring tea production.
Pest Control in Tea Gardens (Provided by Cai Xiaoming)
3.3 Clearing Production Areas
Clear drainage ditches and paths within tea gardens, and clean up the surrounding environment of processing plants.
3.4 Conduct Training Sessions
Organize training sessions for tea pickers and processors during the winter off-season to improve their skills and safety awareness.
Training for Tea Pickers and Processors