The spring management of tea gardens plays a crucial role in determining the quality and economic returns of the spring harvest. To ensure high-quality, high-yield tea production, farmers should focus on "five early" practices—early pruning, early fertilization, early cultivation, early drainage, and early pest control. These steps help promote early sprouting, increase the number of picking rounds, and improve overall productivity.
One of the key early actions is the pruning of the tea tree canopy. After years of harvesting, the growth of branches tends to weaken, especially when "chicken claw" shoots are present, which can hinder nutrient supply and new shoot development. Pruning should be done before the spring buds begin to germinate, ideally between the Start of Spring and the Spring Equinox. This involves cutting off "chicken claw" and "dry dead" branches, typically 5–7 cm from the main stem. In severely damaged tea gardens, pruning should be more aggressive, cutting back to 8–10 cm. For young tea gardens, shaping and regular pruning are essential to maintain a neat canopy, encourage uniform budding, and balance growth. The first pruning is done after transplanting, cutting the main branch 15–20 cm above the ground. The second pruning takes place in early March of the following year, usually at 30–35 cm from the ground. A third pruning is carried out in the third year, at 45–50 cm above the soil.
During the early stages of spring bud development, new shoots grow rapidly, consuming significant nutrients and relying heavily on root absorption. The basal fertilizer applied in autumn may not be sufficient, leading to nutrient depletion. Therefore, applying a top-dressing fertilizer is essential. Once temperatures stabilize above 10°C and roots begin to awaken, it's important to apply the fertilizer 15–20 days before the first picking. This fertilizer is typically a compound of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or fast-acting chemical fertilizers, applied around the base of the plants and accounting for 60–70% of the annual total. Additionally, spraying a 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves before bud break can enhance bud weight and increase the yield of the spring crop.
In tea gardens that have been tilled during the winter, the soil often becomes compacted due to snow and rain. Early tilling helps loosen the soil, raise the temperature, and stimulate root activity, promoting earlier bud emergence. This process is usually done just before and after the bud break, especially in areas with heavy spring rainfall, where care must be taken to avoid water and soil loss. Weeds and fallen leaves are also incorporated into the soil during tilling, helping to reduce pest populations.
As spring progresses, the increasing temperature and rainfall can lead to water accumulation in the tea garden, which is harmful to the tea plants and may delay bud development. Proper drainage is essential, regardless of whether the garden is on flat land or a slope. Ensuring that excess water drains away prevents root rot and supports healthy root growth.
Finally, during the early stages of spring tea picking, pests such as locusts, tea caterpillars, and black locust white locusts become active. Farmers should prepare for pest control by spraying 20% cypermethrin diluted 2000–3000 times before the Qingming Festival. Early intervention is key to protecting the crop and ensuring a successful harvest.
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