Differential Effects of Organic Inputs on Soil Fertility and Growth of Tea Plants

Abstract

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate how newly planted biclonal Tocklai stock tea varieties (TS 462, TS 463, TS 520, and TS 589) respond to compost in a series of treatment including control (without application), cow dung, vermicompost, municipal solid waste compost, and homemade kitchen waste compost applications. A total of 20 tea plants (5 plants of each tea variety) were planted in plastic buckets of equal size (16 litres). 300 gm. of compost was applied to each plant continuously at an interval of 25 to 30 days for the initial six months, and then compost application was discontinued for the next six months. Data were collected before, during, and after compost application. The highest growth in plant height (11cm to 51 cm), number of leaves (33 to 95), and number of branches (8 to 15) were recorded in the tea plants of the TS 463 variety. The pH of soil samples was found in the range of 4.72 to 6.61. The pH level of the acidic soil was slightly increased by the compost application. The average SOM% ranged from 6.88% to 11.94%, and it was found that a good SOM% was supportive of the good growth of the tea crop. N% was found between 0.85% and 0.217%, and P levels were found between 18 ppm and 50 ppm. The suitable N% and P levels affect plant growth most significantly in terms of the number of leaves and the number of stems. SOM% was found to be highest in vermicompost-treated soil, N% and P levels were optimal in home-made kitchen waste compost, and K levels were highest in cow dung-treated soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that an integrated compost application can be recommended for ideal growth and good plant health status for sustainable tea production.