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nutrients

PROTECTING THE LEAF

NUTRIENTS

Economic sustainability requires the use of fertilisers on most soils but, ideally, total nutrient inputs (including those from soil mineralisation and compost imported) should be very similar to the nutrients exported in the harvested product plus that stored in the ground vegetation, soil and tea biomass. To achieve this, loss of nutrients in wastes (in water or by volatilisation) and at replanting must be minimised. Losses of nitrate and phosphate by surface run off and to ground water, and phosphate loss through sediment erosion must be avoided. The proportion of nitrogen (N) input from biological fixation should be maximised. Appropriate micronutrient additions will enhance the efficiency of use of Nitrogen (N),Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) as well as meeting the micronutrient needs of the crop.

Good Practice

Ratio Of Exports To Inputs Take advice from local research centres on optimal nutrient balance. The nutrient use efficiency that can be achieved will vary with application rate, soil type, soil depth, slope, temperature and climate. Low yield of green leaf may indicate inadequate fertiliser application. Dark green, fleshy and succulent shoots throughout the plucking table may indicate excess application of nitrogen (N). In Kenya, about 80% efficiency of input use can normally be achieved by keeping NPKS (22:12:6:5) application at an annual average of 150 kg N/Ha. In other areas it may be necessary to use different fertiliser inputs, with consequent impact on efficiency, to achieve economic sustainability. Nitrogen (N) Input From Biological Fixation If shade trees are planted, use leguminous species. However, appropriate precautions will be required to avoid shade tree contamination of green leaf during harvesting. Loss of Nitrate and Phosphate by Surface Run Off, Sediment Erosion and to Ground Water Take steps to minimise run-off losses by applying fertiliser at a time of year when heavy rains are unlikely (see also Soil Erosion - page 04). Avoid applying fertilisers within 3-4 metres of watercourses. Algal blooms in ponds within the farm should be investigated. Blooms indicate nutrient leakage to surface water. Potential Areas For Improvement Review nutrient application rates regularly in response to calculated residual nutrients in the soil, and foliar and soil analyses. In particular, take account of nutrients and organic matter in the old stand at replanting (see also page 03). Concentrate analyses in the 1st and 2nd years of the pruning cycle so that NPK rates can be adjusted accordingly in the 3rd and 4th years. Any ash from Eucalyptus (or other fuelwood) or old tea plants should be put back to fuelwood plantations and not tea fields (because ash is alkaline). This will also provide fertiliser savings for the fuelwood crop. Investigate using organic matter/compost/biofertiliser to reduce the requirement for inorganic fertiliser applications. Consider the use of ground rock phosphate (except in high pH hut sites) and specifically when carrying out land preparation for replanting. Incorporation of rock phosphate will reduce subsequent reliance on soluble P fertiliser which may significantly leach into the water courses. Investigate areas where high fertiliser application rates have been adopted as a standard to understand the reasons and potential for significant reduction.

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