Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 256-268 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 261 to better soil health and potentially enhancing tea quality (Le et al., 2023). These systems can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stressors such as high temperatures and water scarcity, which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change (Ahmed et al., 2019). Figure 2 Transcriptome mechanism analysis of effects of pruning on growth and quality of tea plants (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2023b) The integration of shade trees in tea plantations can also enhance biodiversity and provide additional ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and habitat for beneficial organisms. However, the implementation of such systems requires careful planning to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential trade-offs, such as competition for resources between tea plants and shade trees. Overall, shade management and agroforestry systems offer promising strategies for enhancing the sustainability of tea production in the face of environmental challenges. 5.3 Fertilization practices and their environmental impacts Fertilization practices are pivotal in maintaining tea yields but can have significant environmental impacts if not managed properly. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, common in many tea-growing regions, can lead to soil acidification, nutrient leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions (Rebello et al., 2022). In Eastern Africa, the application of nitrogenous fertilizers has been shown to increase soil organic carbon but also lower soil pH, which can negatively impact long-term tea productivity (Ombori et al., 2020). To mitigate these environmental impacts, sustainable nitrogen management practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers, and nitrification inhibitors, have been recommended (Rebello et al., 2022). These practices can reduce nitrogen loading and its associated environmental impacts while maintaining or even enhancing tea yields. However, the adoption of these practices is often hindered by financial and knowledge barriers, highlighting the need for targeted education and support for tea farmers. 5.4 Irrigation strategies in response to environmental stress Irrigation strategies are crucial for managing environmental stress in tea plantations, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity. Climate change has exacerbated water stress in many tea-growing areas, necessitating the development of efficient irrigation practices to ensure consistent tea yields (Ahmed et al., 2019). In regions like Rwanda, where tea is grown in diverse agro-ecosystems, irrigation strategies must be tailored to the specific needs of highland and lowland areas to optimize water use and enhance productivity (Dufitumukiza et al., 2020). Efficient irrigation practices can help mitigate the effects of drought and other environmental stressors, ensuring that tea plants receive adequate water for optimal growth. These strategies, combined with other agronomic practices such as shade management and fertilization, can enhance the resilience of tea plantations to environmental changes. As climate change continues to impact tea-growing regions, the development and implementation of adaptive irrigation strategies will be essential for sustainable tea production.
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