There are two methods of fertilizing Tea gardens: root fertilization and foliar fertilization. Root fertilization includes base fertilizer and supplementary fertilizer, while foliar fertilization is mainly used for supplementary feeding. When fertilizing tea plants, five principles should be emphasized: heavy use of organic fertilizers, base fertilizers, spring fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers, and root fertilizers.

(1) Fertilization Timing

The base fertilizer for tea gardens should be applied early, usually in autumn when the above-ground parts of the tea plants stop growing. It should be applied in conjunction with winter plowing and weeding, preferably sooner rather than later.

(2) Amount of Fertilizer

Adequate amounts of base fertilizer should be applied to tea gardens. This means a large quantity, typically no less than 70% of the total annual amount. When applying base fertilizer, an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also be added. The typical quantities are: for young tea gardens, 750 kg or more of pure organic fertilizer, 25 kg of superphosphate, and 15 kg of potassium sulfate per mu; for mature tea gardens, 1,500-2,500 kg of pure organic fertilizer, 25-50 kg of superphosphate, and 15-25 kg of potassium sulfate per mu.

(3) Application Method

In mature tea gardens, the base fertilizer should be applied in a trench dug below the edge of the tree canopy, with a depth of 20-30 cm. For young tea gardens that have not yet formed a canopy, apply fertilizer by the planting holes. The distance from the root neck to the fertilizer hole should be 5-10 cm for 1-2-year-old tea plants and 10-15 cm for 3-4-year-old tea plants. In flat tea gardens, fertilize on one or both sides; in sloping tea gardens or terraced tea gardens, fertilize on the side above the tea rows to prevent nutrient loss.

(4) Foliar Fertilization

Foliar fertilization is a supplementary method to root fertilization. Commonly used foliar fertilizers include seaweed-based foliar fertilizers, humus-based foliar fertilizers, and chemical fertilizers such as a 0.5%-1% urea solution. Foliar fertilizers should be applied on overcast days or in the evening, and it's best to spray them on the underside of the leaves.

(5) Precautions for Fertilization

Organic fertilizers must be fully composted. It is best to use professional fermentation agents for treatment, which not only reduces nutrient loss but also thoroughly removes harmful substances like pathogens and insect eggs from the organic fertilizers.