Driving sustainability in tea farming: Insights on organo-mineral fertilizers

Abstract

Tea (Camellia sinensis L. O Kuntze) is an important cash crop grown globally, identified for its economic importance and health benefits. However, there are challenges such as nutrient deficiencies, especially in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), together with adverse soil conditions, limiting optimal tea production. This review explains the role of organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) as a sustainable way to enhance tea production practices. OMFs, which combine organic matter with essential mineral nutrients, can simultaneously improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce the environmental impact associated with chemical fertilizers. Through a comprehensive examination of OMF production techniques, nutrient release patterns, and their positive effects on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions, this article underscores the potential of OMFs in revitalizing tea farming systems. Despite their benefits, the adoption of OMFs remains low, particularly in regions like Africa. Hence, advocating for the integration of OMFs into fertilization practices, training programs for farmers, and supportive public policies is important to promote awareness of sustainable tea agriculture.