Tea Agronomy Guide - March 🌱🍃
Welcome to this month’s tea agronomy update! March is a critical month for tea cultivation as we transition between seasons. Here’s what you need to focus on to ensure healthy tea growth and high-quality yields.
1️⃣ Pruning & Skiffing ✂️
March is ideal for light skiffing in some regions to maintain bush structure.
Avoid heavy pruning unless recommended based on your pruning cycle.
2️⃣ Fertilizer Application 🌱💚
Apply nitrogen-based fertilizers to boost new leaf growth.
Consider split applications for better nutrient uptake.
If rainfall is high, avoid excessive urea to reduce leaching.
3️⃣ Pest & Disease Management 🐛⚠️
Monitor for Helopeltis, thrips, and red spider mites as the temperature rises.
Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) methods to control outbreaks.
Fungal diseases like blister blight can spread in humid conditions—apply fungicides if needed.
4️⃣ Weed Control 🌿🚜
March is a good time for manual weeding and targeted herbicide applications.
Prevent competition for nutrients, especially in young tea fields.
5️⃣ Moisture Conservation 💧
Mulching helps retain soil moisture during dry spells.
Maintain shade trees where necessary to reduce heat stress.
6️⃣ Plucking Management 🤲
Maintain a 2-leaf and a bud standard for quality.
Avoid hard plucking, which can stress the bushes.
💡 Tip of the Month: Soil testing is crucial before the main fertilization round. Plan for a balanced nutrient application based on soil health.
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