The effect of bio-retention hole application on soil physical properties and productivity and quality of Tea sinensis leaf

Abstract

One of the critical problems for crop plantation on dry land is lack of water, especially in the dry season, including tea leaves. Proper treatment is required to solve the negative drought impact. The research aims to examine the effect of Bio-Retention Hole (BRH) on some of soil physical properties and the production and quality of tea leaves at one tea plantation in Cianjur Regency. The results showed that the application of BRH can improved soil aeration, reduced bulk density, increased total soil pore, macro soil pore, infiltration, soil permeability and soil aggregate stability. The increase in organic matter is thought to be one of the main causes of the improvement in various physical properties of the soil. Plots treated with BRH showed a significant increase in organic matter. The BRH application increases the production and quality of tea leaves. The monthly tea leaves production in plots with the BRH application is higher than without BRH, averaging around 20 percent with variations of 5 to 100 percent. The level of Tanin substances which is used as an indicator of the quality of tea leaves is also about 20 percent higher in plots with the BRH application compared to without BRH.