Effect of method, time and levels of phosphorus application on yield and quality of tea (Camellia sinensis)

A field experiment was carried out at Palampur during 1994–99 on 150-year-old China hybrid tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] to study the effect of single superphosphate on yield and quality of tea with different methods, times and levels of P application. Phosphorus application at 90 kg P₂O₅/ha with alternate years of application registered significantly highest yield. On the contrary, the highest values for tea quality with regards to total colour and percent brightness were obtained with annual application of fertilizer @ 60 kg P₂O₅/ha with deep placement method. Among the interactions, the highest yield was obtained when phosphorus was applied in alternate years by broadcasting on the soil surface.