Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 215-224 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 217 2.3 Water management and irrigation Water availability and irrigation practices are critical for maintaining tea plant health and productivity. Tea plants require consistent moisture levels, and water stress can significantly impact their growth and yield. Effective water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems, are essential to mitigate the effects of drought and ensure adequate water supply (Rokhmah et al., 2022). Proper irrigation practices help maintain soil moisture levels, preventing water stress and promoting optimal tea plant growth. In regions with variable rainfall patterns, supplemental irrigation can be crucial for sustaining tea production. Studies have shown that mulching practices, such as using rice straw or intercropping, can improve soil moisture retention and reduce the need for frequent irrigation (Zhang et al., 2020). These practices help maintain a stable moisture environment, supporting tea plant health and enhancing yield. Additionally, efficient water management practices can reduce the risk of waterlogging, which can adversely affect tea plant roots and overall plant health. Implementing sustainable water management and irrigation practices is vital for optimizing tea yields and ensuring the long-term viability of tea plantations. 3 Agronomic Practices for High-Yield Tea Cultivation 3.1 Pruning and shaping techniques Pruning is a critical agronomic practice in tea cultivation, significantly influencing tea tree growth and yield. Studies have shown that pruning enhances the growth of tea plants by promoting the expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways such as fatty acid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism, which are essential for plant growth and productivity. Additionally, pruning increases the leaf area, bud weight, and overall yield of tea plants by improving the physicochemical properties of the rhizosphere soil, such as pH and the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Zhang et al., 2023). This practice also alters the microbial community structure in the soil, promoting beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient cycling and soil health (Zhang et al., 2023). However, while pruning boosts yield, it can negatively impact the quality of tea leaves. Pruning has been found to reduce the synthesis and accumulation of quality-related compounds such as polyphenols, theanine, flavonoids, and free amino acids in tea leaves (Zhang et al., 2023). This reduction in quality compounds is attributed to changes in the soil microbial community and metabolic pathways induced by pruning. Therefore, while pruning is beneficial for increasing tea yield, it is essential to balance it with other practices to maintain the quality of tea leaves. 3.2 Fertilization strategies Effective fertilization strategies are crucial for optimizing tea yield and maintaining plant health. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers play significant roles in tea cultivation. Long-term nitrogen fertilization has been shown to increase tea yield by enhancing chlorophyll synthesis and promoting the growth of tea plants (Chen et al., 2021). However, excessive nitrogen application can lead to soil acidification and reduced diversity of soil fungal communities, which can negatively impact soil health and sustainability (Yang et al., 2019). Therefore, it is essential to apply nitrogen fertilizers judiciously to balance yield and soil health. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, have been found to improve soil properties and tea yield. Replacing a portion of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers can mitigate soil acidification, increase soil organic matter, and enhance the availability of essential nutrients like ammonium nitrogen (Xie et al., 2018). This practice not only promotes tea yield but also improves tea quality by increasing the content of beneficial compounds in tea leaves. Studies have shown that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers and eliminating the use of pesticides can maintain high tea yield and quality while reducing environmental pollution. Potassium fertilization is also critical, as it significantly improves tea yield and quality by enhancing the concentration of free amino acids, water-extractable dry matter, and total polyphenols in tea leaves (Ruan et al., 2013).
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