Abstract
The effects of compost and coated fertilizer nitrogen on the quality of the first crop tea were investigated in order to reduce the application of chemical fertilizer nitrogen (CFN) to tea gardens. Experiments were performed using pot-cultivation, in the experimental farm, Utsunomiya University where precipitation and temperature are similar to those in Daigo-machi, Ibaraki. The combined application of compost in different amount and 25% cut-down of CFN, did not bring about a significant difference in the content of total amino acid (TAA) compared with standard application rate of fertilizer (SARF). This fact shows that an appropriate application of compost can reduce CFN without lowering the quality of the first crop tea. In the soil with SARF, 25% cut-down, and 50% cut-down of coated fertilizer, the content of TAA was highest in the soil with SARF, but without any significant difference application of coated fertilizer in autumn and tended to decrease tannin content. Consequently, the application of CFN to a tea garden may be reduced 25% by applying coated fertilizer together with compost, and the application of coated fertilizer in autumn season may to elevate the quality of the first crop tea.
