Abstract
The utilization of locally available organic de-oiled cakes and their combination with compost, liquid vermicompost, bone meal, and biodynamic formulations is becoming an emerging practice in organic farming. We aimed to optimize organic inputs with seven de-oiled cakes, viz. Sesamum indicum L, Carthamus tinctorius L, Oryza sativa L bran, Azadirachta indica, Brassica nigra L, Arachis hypogaea, Pongamia pinnata L, and a bone meal for sustaining organic Darjeeling tea (D-tea) yield, quality, profitability, and soil fertility in the Himalayan foothills. Darjeeling tea gardens (elevation 1014.68 m above mean sea level), suitable for a four-year pruning cycle, with different pruning types DS (dip skiff, 1st year), UP (un-prune, 2nd year), LP (light prune, 3rd year), and UP1 (un prune, 4th year), were imparted to process black tea following the orthodox method focusing on retaining the aroma and flavor of the tea. An optimized organic application resulted in a significant tea yield (> 600 kg ha−1, P = 0.0001) and higher tea quality (total polyphenols, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids). Interestingly, theaflavins and thearubigins were higher than the control with the foliar application of liquid vermicompost. Total N-content in the pluckable-tea shoot was more in the compost treatment; however, phosphorus and potash contents were more with the optimized dose. Tea quality parameters were seasonally distinct. The authors recommended the optimized dose of organic inputs for sustained tea production, improved soil sustenance through NPK balance, bulk density, organic-C, dehydrogenase activity, and water holding capacity in soils, producing high-quality organic tea; however, compost and liquid vermicompost improved tea qualities at par in the old Chinary-tea plant remained promising for profitability/net income. The first flush tea qualities are elite, and total polyphenols correlate positively with caffeine, theaflavins, thearubigins, total chlorophyll, and the color of the made tea.
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Data Availability
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The replication data is shared as supplementary materials.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are indebted to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, and FAO/IFOAM/CFC for providing the necessary fund to conduct the organic research project. The authors are also thankful to the management of Assam Tea Estate, Kurseong for their cooperation and the necessary help extended during the time of experimentation.
Funding
This study was funded by a joint project of the International Federation on Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and supervised by the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea and the Tea Board of India (FAO/IFOAM/CFC). Out of the total cost, CFC contributed 40%, and the remaining 60% of support was provided by the Tea Board of India and the participating owners of Ambootia Organic Tea Farm.
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All authors contributed to the study. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by [Anil Kumar Singh], [Chitranjan Kumar], and [B. Bera]. The first draft of the manuscript was written by [Anil Kumar Singh,] and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Dr. B. Bera utilized a research grant received from the IFOAM/CFC-funded project. Other authors have no financial liabilities and no conflict of interest.
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Highlights
• The optimized dose of organic inputs (seven de-oiled cakes viz. Sesamum indicum L, Carthamus tinctorius L, Oryza sativa L bran, Azadirachta indica, Brassica nigra L, Arachis hypogaea, Pongamia pinnata L, and bone meal, were mixed at a ratio of 1:1:1:2:1.5:1.5:1:1, respectively) caused sustained organic tea production .
• The optimized organic inputs increased total and available NPK balance, SOC, dehydrogenase activity, and water-holding capacity, decreased soil bulk density, and improved soil health. The optimized organic inputs produced maximum carotenoids, polyphenols, and chlorophyll contents in tea; however, the response of compost and liquid vermicompost was found at par. The optimized organic inputs produced reasonable net income and a higher benefit-cost ratio in tea production.
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Singh, A.K., Chauhan, R.K., Kumar, C. et al. Sustaining Darjeeling Organic Tea (Camellia sinensis L) Production and Tea Quality Through Organic Inputs in the Himalayan Foothills. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 23, 1774–1796 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01137-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01137-2