Effect of fertilizer levels and plucking intervals on yield and quality of clonal tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze]
1997
Okinda Owuor, P. | Othieno, C.O. | Odhiambo, H.O. | Ng'etich, W.K. (Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (Kenya))
Variation in yield and black tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze] quality of a high-yielding clone, S 15/10 in response to rates of NPKS 25:5:5:5 (at 100-600 kg N ha**-1 yr**-1) fertilizer and three plucking intervals (7, 14, and 21 days) were studied. Yields responses were quadratic, reaching calculated maximum production when 466, 487, and 491 kg N ha**-1 yr**-1 was applied at 7, 14, and 21 days plucking intervals, respectively. But significant yield increase was achieved by applying only up to 200 kg N ha**-1 yr**-1. The most profitable production was also achieved by applying 200 kg N ha**-1 yr**-1 irrespective of plucking intervals at the 1993 production costs in Kenya. Mean weights of plucked (two leaves and a bud) shoots, shoot density, and shoot extension rate increased with fertilizer rates. On unselective plucking, long plucking intervals produced leaf with a high proportion of mature (coarse) leaf beyond two leaves and a bud.
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