Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 273-284 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 273 Research Perspective Open Access Optimization of Tea Yield and Quality: Cultivation Techniques and Sustainable Strategies Baofu Huang1, Haomin Chen2 1 Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: haomin.chen@hitar.org Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0025 Received: 02 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 10 Sep., 2024 Published: 29 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang and Chen, 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: Huang B.F., and Chen H.M., 2024, Optimization of tea yield and quality: cultivation techniques and sustainable strategies, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(5): 273-284 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0025) Abstract Tea (Camellia sinensis), as a widely consumed beverage, is extensively cultivated worldwide. However, tea yield faces numerous challenges, including climate change and soil degradation. This study systematically evaluates the key factors influencing tea yield and quality, such as soil quality and fertility, climatic conditions and adaptability, as well as the genetic potential and variety selection of tea plants. The study also compares traditional and modern cultivation techniques, exploring the application of sustainable practices like organic farming, integrated pest management (IPM), and agroforestry systems in tea garden management. The results show that strategies such as partial organic substitution of chemical fertilizers, optimized fertilization management, and mulching significantly enhance soil health, yield, and quality while reducing environmental risks. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies achieves a balance between productivity and sustainability. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable development of the global tea industry, contributing to both the economic benefits and environmental sustainability of tea cultivation. Keywords Tea yield; Sustainable practices; Climate change; Cultivation techniques; Soil health; Agroecological management 1 Introduction Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, cherished for its cultural, economic, and health significance. Cultivated across diverse agro-climatic regions, tea production supports the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributes significantly to the economies of many countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America (Hajiboland, 2017; Xu et al., 2021). As one of the most consumed beverages globally, tea not only serves as a staple in many cultures but also as a critical agricultural product with a high economic value (Qiu et al., 2020; Rokhmah et al., 2022). With an estimated annual global production of over 6 million tons, tea contributes to food security and international trade. Beyond its economic impact, tea is recognized for its health benefits, attributed to bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids (Samanta, 2022; Sang, 2022). The increasing global demand for tea, driven by its health-promoting properties, underscores the need for optimizing cultivation techniques to enhance yield and quality (Hajiboland, 2017). However, optimizing tea plant yield presents several challenges. Environmental factors, such as climate change, pose significant threats to tea production by altering rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures, which can lead to drought stress and reduced yields (Ahmed et al., 2019; Rigden et al., 2020; Rokhmah et al., 2022). The heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers to boost production has led to soil degradation and environmental concerns, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices (Jiang et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2021). The susceptibility of tea plants to pests and diseases further complicates yield optimization, as the use of pesticides can adversely affect tea quality and pose health risks (Hajiboland, 2017). Additionally, the genetic diversity of tea plants and the variability in their response to agronomic practices complicate efforts to standardize cultivation techniques (Tong et al., 2024). Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of tea producers, often lack access to modern agricultural technologies and resources, limiting their ability to adopt advanced practices.
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