Optimizing biofertilizer application and fertilizing technique for enhanced tea plant growth and flavonoid composition after drought season

Now a days, drought has become a prevalent issue in tea cultivation, especially in West Java, the largest tea-producing province in Indonesia. It is considered one of the primary limiting factors that adversely affect both tea yield and quality. Biofertilizer fertilization with different fertilization techniques is an alternative to supply more optimal tea nutrient needs, after the dry season. The objective of this study was to optimize biofertilizer application and fertilization techniques to improve tea plant growth and flavonoid composition after the dry season The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Garden of the Tea and Cinchona Research Center, Gambung, Ciwidey from April 2024 until August 2024. The experimental design used was a randomized group design including A = Control; B=15 L/ha Biofertilizer sprayed to leaves; C=22.5 L/ ha Biofertilizer sprayed to leaves; D=30 L/ha Biofertilizer with application technique sprayed to leaves; E =15 L/ha biofertilizer watered to soil; G=22.5 L/ha Biofertilizer watered to soil I=30 L/ha Biofertilizer watered to soil. The result showed that applying a combination of biofertilizer and fertilizer application technique influences root starch content and fresh shoot weight of tea. An amount of 22.5 L/ha biofertilizer with the application technique watered into the soil gave the best results on tea flavonoid levels in pecco to dormant shoots ratio, the treatment of biofertilizer and fertilizer application techniques still showed starch levels below the standard.