Abstract:

To understand the changes of soil nutrient characteristics of tea gardens in Guangdong Province, adjust soil nutrient management strategies in time, and improve tea yield and quality, the authors took three main tea areas in eastern, western and northern Guangdong as the research objects, conducted a comprehensive analysis of soil pH, organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and medium-trace elements, and systematically evaluated the temporal and spatial changes of soil fertility attributes in these areas. The results showed that after 10 years’ change of nutrient management since 2009, the content of soil organic matter and available potassium in the tea area of eastern Guangdong increased significantly, reaching 22.87 mg/kg and 123.00 mg/kg, respectively. The soil pH in the tea area of western Guangdong decreased significantly, and the soil acidification degree was intensified. The soil organic matter content in the tea area of northern Guangdong increased significantly from 18.46 mg/kg to 26.27 mg/kg. The spatial difference analysis of soil fertility status of Guangdong tea gardens showed that the content of soil organic matter and available potassium in the tea area of western Guangdong was significantly lower than those in the tea area of eastern and northern Guangdong. Only the eastern Guangdong tea area had pH above 4.5. The content of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Mg in the tea area of northern and eastern Guangdong were higher than those in western Guangdong, and some differences reached significant level. The soil nutrient management in the tea area of eastern Guangdong tended to be reasonable, and the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers should be highlighted appropriately. The soil nutrient management in the tea area of northern Guangdong was acceptable, but some types of organic fertilizers needed to be adjusted to alkaline fertilizers and appropriate soil conditioners should be applied to inhibit the aggravation of soil acidification. At the same time, the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be strengthened. The soil fertility in the tea area of western Guangdong was poor, and the soil acidification was intensified, therefore, high-quality organic fertilizer and an appropriate amount of soil conditioner should be applied to improve the soil fertility and quality.

Key words: tea cultivation, soil fertility, medium and trace elements, nutrient management, spatial-temporal difference