Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 215-224 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 215 Research Insight Open Access High-Yield Tea Plant Cultivation: Ecological and Agronomic Insights Yingying Que1,2, Qi Zhao3 1 Zhejiang Shanshuiyin Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China 2 Ningbo Shanshuyinxiang Agriculture Development Co., Ltd., Ningbo, 315131, Zhejiang, China 3 Ningbo Yinzhou District Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 312625725@qq.com Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0020 Received: 12 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 18 Jul., 2024 Published: 10 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Que and Zhao, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Que Y.Y., and Zhao Q., 2024, High-yield tea plant cultivation: ecological and agronomic insights, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(4): 215-224 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0020) Abstract This study explores the key agronomic and ecological factors that enhance high-yield tea cultivation, with a focus on climate adaptability, soil management, and pest control strategies. Key findings indicate that region-specific climate management, optimized soil properties, and nutrient supply are crucial to improving tea plant health and productivity. Pruning and precise fertilization methods also play a critical role in maintaining high yield and quality. Sustainable soil practices, such as organic fertilization and reduced pesticide use, effectively support tea yield and quality while reducing environmental impact. Through a case study of Longjing tea cultivation in Zhejiang Province, China, the study demonstrates the dual economic and environmental benefits of integrating high-yield practices with ecological considerations. In particular, advancements in precision agriculture and automation support the implementation of these practices, enhancing outcomes through efficient resource use and real-time monitoring. This study aims to propose practical strategies for high-yield tea cultivation to promote sustainable improvements in tea cultivation practices. Keywords High-yield tea plant cultivation; Sustainable practices; Precision agriculture; Breeding innovation; Ecological management 1 Introduction Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, second only to water, and holds significant economic, cultural, and health value (Ahmed et al., 2014; Xia et al., 2020). It is cultivated in over 50 countries, predominantly in the tropics and subtropics, under specific agro-climatic conditions (Hajiboland, 2017; Aditya et al., 2023). The tea industry is a major economic contributor in several countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, where it supports millions of livelihoods (Batool et al., 2022). The increasing global demand for tea, driven by its health benefits and cultural significance, underscores the importance of optimizing tea cultivation practices to meet both quality and quantity requirements (Huang and Chen, 2024). The primary goal of high-yield tea cultivation is to enhance productivity while maintaining or improving the quality of tea leaves. This involves addressing several challenges, including environmental constraints such as water deficiency and climate change, which significantly impact tea production (Costa et al., 2007). Additionally, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, while necessary for high yields, poses environmental and health risks, necessitating the exploration of sustainable practices such as organic farming and integrated pest management (Deka et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021). This study aims to systematically analyze current research findings on the ecological and agronomic aspects of high-yield tea cultivation. By conducting an in-depth examination of environmental conditions, nutritional requirements in tea production, pest and disease management strategies, and the impact of climate change on tea yield, this study seeks to identify sustainable cultivation practices that enhance tea yield and quality, and address the challenges and leveraging opportunities in high-yield tea cultivation, aspiring to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting tea yield and propose practical improvement strategies to advance sustainable practices in tea cultivation.
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