Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 215-224 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 222 increase in economic benefits. However, this expansion has also led to substantial ecological costs, particularly in terms of impaired water conservation services. The net economic benefit, despite being positive, fails to offset the ecological costs, which have increased dramatically over the years (Su et al., 2017). This indicates that while high-yield tea cultivation can be profitable, it often comes at a significant environmental cost. In Northern Vietnam, a study comparing conventional and agroecological tea management practices found that although conventional methods resulted in higher yields, agroecological practices provided better net income for farmers. Specifically, agroecological tea adopters earned around USD 8 400 per hectare per year more than those practicing conventional management, despite lower yields. This suggests that sustainable practices can be economically viable and even more profitable in the long run due to reduced input costs and higher market prices for organic products (Le et al., 2023). Similarly, in Anxi, China, integrating organic fertilizers into tea production systems increased the emergy sustainability index significantly, although the economic output/input ratio was slightly lower compared to chemical fertilizer use (Zeng et al., 2013). 7.2 Market dynamics and pricing strategies Market demand and pricing strategies play crucial roles in the economic viability of high-yield tea cultivation. The global increase in tea consumption, driven by the health benefits associated with tea, has led to higher market demand and better prices for high-quality tea products (Hajiboland, 2017). This trend provides economic incentives for farmers to adopt high-yield and sustainable cultivation practices. In Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China, a pilot study demonstrated that reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides while maintaining high tea yields and quality can be achieved through proper management practices. This not only mitigates environmental hazards but also meets market demand for safer, high-quality tea products (Xie et al., 2018). In Assam, India, small-scale tea growers who have transitioned to organic cultivation have found it to be economically sustainable. The yearly income from organic tea cultivation was higher than that from conventional methods, provided that the growers achieved stable yields. The introduction of an organic premium on green leaves could further enhance the economic benefits for these growers (Deka and Goswami, 2021). Additionally, the suitability evaluation of tea cultivation in Yingde, Guangdong, China, highlighted the importance of optimizing regional layouts and prioritizing areas with high suitability for tea cultivation. This strategic approach can help maximize economic returns while ensuring sustainable development (Chen et al., 2022). 8 Suggestions and Future Directions To enhance high-yield tea plant cultivation, several strategies can be implemented. Adopting adaptive agronomic practices tailored to specific environmental conditions can mitigate the negative impacts of climate variability and improve overall tea yield. Furthermore, implementing sustainable soil management practices, such as using high-nutrient-efficiency tea varieties, can help maintain soil health and reduce nutrient degradation. Future research should focus on comprehensive studies on the interaction between tea plants and multiple environmental factors to better understand their combined effects on yield and quality under real-world conditions. Technological advancements in precision agriculture, such as remote sensing and automated monitoring systems, can provide valuable data for optimizing tea cultivation practices and improving resource use efficiency. The adoption of high-yield practices in global tea cultivation can have significant implications for the industry. By improving breeding programs and agronomic practices, tea producers can achieve higher yields and better quality, which can enhance economic returns and meet the growing demand for tea worldwide. Additionally, sustainable cultivation practices can contribute to environmental conservation and soil health, ensuring the long-term viability of tea plantations. The integration of advanced technologies and adaptive strategies can also help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring stable tea production in diverse growing regions.
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