Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 273-284 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 274 This study systematically evaluates various cultivation techniques aimed at optimizing tea yield and quality, integrating findings from multiple studies to identify effective strategies that address environmental and agricultural challenges. Specifically, it includes an assessment of the impact of climate change on tea yield, an analysis of sustainable fertilization practices, and an exploration of innovative technologies, such as machine learning, in yield prediction. This study seeks to provide actionable insights for improving tea cultivation practices, ensuring economic viability and environmental sustainability. 2 Key Factors Affecting Tea Plant Yield and Quality 2.1 Soil quality and fertility Soil quality and fertility are critical determinants of tea plant yield. The degradation of soil, often exacerbated by high leaching and strong soil acidity, poses significant challenges to tea cultivation, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like southern China. Studies have shown that different tea plant varieties can influence soil nutrient profiles, with high-nutrient-efficiency varieties like Longjing43 (LJ43) demonstrating better soil nutrient retention and reduced acidification compared to low-nutrient-efficiency varieties such as Liyou002 (LY002) (Ruan et al., 2023). Intercropping strategies, such as incorporating legumes, have been found to improve soil fertility by increasing soil organic matter and total nitrogen, which in turn enhances tea quality and yield (Huang et al., 2022). Moreover, the management of soil nutrients through fertilization practices significantly impacts tea yield. Long-term nitrogen fertilization, for instance, has been shown to increase tea yield and amino acid content, although it may also lead to soil acidification and reduced microbial diversity (Ma et al., 2021). The balance of nutrient inputs is crucial, as excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to environmental pollution without proportionate increases in yield. Therefore, optimizing fertilization strategies, such as integrating organic fertilizers, can mitigate soil degradation and enhance tea production (Xie et al., 2018). 2.2 Climatic conditions and adaptability Climatic conditions, including temperature and precipitation patterns, play a pivotal role in tea plant yield. Tea plants are highly sensitive to climatic variability, with studies indicating that increased temperatures and precipitation variability can negatively affect yield. For instance, in Assam, India, warmer monthly average temperatures above 26.6 °C have been associated with reduced tea yields, while precipitation variability also poses challenges (Duncan et al., 2016). Similarly, in Kenya, rising temperatures are projected to decrease tea yields by up to 10% by 2040-2070, although potential increases in soil moisture could partially offset these losses (Rigden et al., 2020). Adaptation to climatic changes is essential for sustaining tea yields. Strategies such as planting drought-tolerant clones, implementing mulching, and optimizing irrigation systems can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change (Rokhmah et al., 2022). Understanding the interaction between tea plants and environmental factors is also crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies. This includes assessing the impact of climate-driven abiotic stressors and exploring the potential benefits of elevated CO2 levels on tea yield (Jayasinghe and Kumar, 2021). 2.3 Genetic potential and plant variety The genetic potential and variety of tea plants are fundamental to optimizing yield. Different genotypes exhibit varying responses to environmental conditions, which can lead to significant differences in yield and quality. For example, high-altitude grown teas are known for their aromatic qualities, whereas low-altitude teas tend to have higher yields but less distinctive flavors (Owuor et al., 2011). The choice of tea plant variety can thus influence both the quantity and quality of the harvest, with some varieties being more adaptable to specific environmental conditions than others. Breeding programs aimed at developing high-yield, high-quality tea varieties are essential for improving tea production. These programs focus on selecting genotypes that are resilient to environmental stresses and capable of maintaining desirable traits across different growing conditions (Ruan et al., 2023). Additionally, the
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