Nutrient deficiency and abundance in tea plants: Metabolism to productivity

Abstract

Soil fertility and nutrient availability is the most important component of the environment that determines plants' productivity. In agricultural ecosystems, due to continuous removal of nutrients from soil through harvesting, fertilizer application is necessary for maintenance of yield. Fertilizer application is a common management practice in tea production. However, heavy application of fertilizers does not always increase the yield and quality of tea products but instead can cause problems such as contamination of surrounding water systems, acidification of soil and emission of high levels of N2O, one of the major greenhouse gasses. Thus, a balanced fertilization may not only reduce production cost but also help to protect the environment. In this chapter effect of each nutrient on plant growth and metabolism is shortly explained by an emphasis on the nutritional physiology of plants, its availability in soil and effect of fertilizers. Then the effect of deficiency or excess of each nutrient and its application on tea are discussed.