Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 215-224 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 216 2 Ecological Factors Affecting Tea Plant Growth 2.1 Climate and temperature requirements Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are highly sensitive to climatic conditions, which significantly influence their growth, yield, and quality. Optimal tea cultivation requires specific temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and overall climate conditions. Studies have shown that tea yield increases with elevated CO2 levels, but this increment can be substantially affected by rising temperatures and uneven rainfall patterns (Jayasinghe and Kumar, 2021). High temperatures can lead to stress conditions, reducing the quality and yield of tea leaves. Conversely, moderate temperatures with ample cloud cover and fog, as observed in high mountainous regions of China, create an ideal microclimate for tea cultivation by maintaining high humidity and reducing temperature fluctuations. Rainfall is another critical factor, as tea plants require well-distributed rainfall throughout the year. Inadequate or poorly distributed rainfall can lead to water stress, adversely affecting tea production. Climate change, characterized by altered rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, poses a significant threat to tea cultivation. Drought conditions, resulting from prolonged dry spells, can cause severe damage to tea plants, including wilting, leaf drop, and reduced yield. Therefore, understanding and adapting to the climatic requirements of tea plants is essential for sustainable tea production (Figure 1). Figure 1 Ideal climatic conditions for tea cultivation in mountainous regions Image caption: The figure illustrates a typical high-altitude cloud and mist environment. The cloud cover provides suitable humidity and temperature stability, promoting the growth of tea plants and the production of high-quality tea leaves 2.2 Soil properties and nutrient availability The soil properties and nutrient availability are crucial for optimizing tea yields. Tea plants thrive in acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, which supports the availability of essential nutrients (Hajiboland, 2017). Soil health, characterized by organic matter content, nutrient composition, and microbial activity, plays a significant role in tea plant growth. Long-term nitrogen fertilization has been shown to increase tea yield and amino acid content, although excessive nitrogen can lead to soil acidification and reduced microbial diversity (Ma et al., 2021). Optimal nitrogen application rates are essential to balance tea growth and soil health. Agroecological management practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers, can enhance soil health by increasing soil organic matter and improving nutrient availability (Le et al., 2023). Organic fertilizers help mitigate soil acidification and nutrient deficiencies, promoting better tea yield and quality (Xie et al., 2018). Additionally, mulching practices, such as intercropping with Vulpia myuros, can improve soil properties by reducing soil temperature, increasing water retention, and enhancing soil enzyme activity (Zhang et al., 2020). These practices contribute to a healthier soil environment, supporting robust tea plant growth and higher yields.
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