Impact of Biofertilizer on Tea Productivity and Soil Properties

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the impact of consortium of biofertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate, potash & zinc (Bio NPK) on tea production and soil quality. The experiment included five different combinations of treatments, each with three replications, on three types of pruned tea. The results showed that the crop yield significantly increased when bio-fertilizer was combined with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The yield increased by 3.4 to 4.7% when 100% of RDF with bio-fertilizer was applied, regardless of pruning type. Additionally, the yield increased by 1.9 to 3.5% when 75% of RDF with bio-fertilizer was applied over 100% of RDF. After the experiment, the analyzed soil data showed that the available nitrogen, phosphate and potassium content in the soil was significantly higher in the treatments where 100% and 75% of RDF with bio-fertilizer was applied compared to only 100% of RDF treatment. The use of biofertilizers synchronized with inorganic fertilizers application increased the concentration of nutrients in the plants. Moreover, the microbiological analysis revealed that the microbial populations increased in treatments treated with biofertilizer compared to only inorganic fertilizers. Therefore, the experimental results concluded that using 75% of RDF with biofertilizer could effectively maintain sustainable tea production without compromising soil health.

Keywords: Bio-fertilizer, Soil, Tea Productivity