International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN(P): 2250-0057; ISSN(E): 2321-0087
Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 433-444
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY OF AGEING CHINARY TEA PLANTATION

THROUGH REJUVENATION PRUNING AND SUSTAINING
SOIL FERTILITY BY USE OF ORGANIC INPUTS
J. S. BISEN1, A. K. SINGH2, R. K. CHAUHAN3, MAHIPAL SINGH4 & B. BERA5
1,3,4

Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre, Kurseong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
2
5

Tea Research Association, Jorhat, Assam, India

Director (Research), Tea Board of India, B.T.M.Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT
Improving productivity particularly of ageing tea bushes of Darjeeling hills (>100 years old) under organic
farming is a great challenge for researchers, tea growers and stack holders of Darjeeling tea industry. A field experiment
was conducted to study the impact of different organic inputs such as mixture of de-oiled cakes, Organomax,
Annapurna, BD500, 501 with CPP, Compost and vermicompost, on recovery and productivity of rejuvenated old chinary
tea bushes and soil fertility. Results revealed that there was a drastic reduction (55%) on an average was recorded over
(2011-2013) made tea yield 730.2 kg ha-1 was recorded from the plot where 125% of 120 kg N+20 kg P2O5 ha-1 followed
by 100% of 120 kg N+20 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied. An increment of 58-72% in the made tea yield in the successive years
of pruning was obtained over control (T2T5). Lowest soil bulk density was recorded from T2 followed by T3 and T4
which was inversely proportional to water holding capacity. The biosynthesis of bio chemical parameters are greatly
influenced with the treatments. The highest average net return was computed from T9.

Original Article

pre-trial yield during the pruning year; however, it was recovered significantly in 2nd year onward. Highest average

KEY WORDS: Rejuvenation Pruning, Organic Inputs, Productivity, Bulk Density, Economics

Received: Apr 30, 2016; Accepted: May 28, 2016; Published: May 30, 2016; Paper Id.: IJASRJUN2016052

INTRODUCTION
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the most widely consumed beverage worldwide and it is grown in a variety of
soil types that are different in origin and geographical formation. Darjeeling tea has always an edge in
International and Domestic markets due to its unique quality and flavour. The geographical location in terms of
altitude, topography, temperature and receipt of solar radiation and soil type are some of the factors responsible
for such specialty of Darjeeling tea. But in the recent years the production of the worlds finest tea has drop off
which maybe because of the old age of the bushes, changes in the climatic conditions and a sudden inclination
from inorganic cultivation to an organic one. There was decline of 10 to 21.2% in the yield during the conversion
period from inorganic to organic farming (Bisen et al., 2012).Organic tea cultivation in Darjeeling hills getting
popularity day by day due to high demand in international market, growing health awareness of consumers and
fetches premium prices. Improvement of the present tea crop productivity and sustenance of quality of Darjeeling
tea in the changing scenario of climate and mode of cultivation is a big challenge for every stakeholder of
Darjeeling tea industry. Organic farming is replacing conventional farming gradually due to increasing demands
for organic food and growing environmental concerns (Hansen et al., 2001). Organic farming aims at promoting
www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

434

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

and enhancing agro-ecosystem, health, biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activities (Tongetti et al., 2005).
Organically managed soils had higher organic matter content and provide a more stable soil structure than conventionally
managed soils (Papadopoulos et al., 2006). Conventional farming often gives a lot of negative impacts such as soil erosion,
nutrient runoff, loss of organic matter, impairment of environment quality, and pollution of natural water by agricultural
chemical and potential hazard to human and animal health from heavy use of pesticides (Diepeningan et al., 2006).
The physico-chemical, microbial and biochemical activities of the soil under monoculture over a long period of time
becomes poor are reduced (Rahman, 1977). Further, Dey (1967) has reported that the nutrient status decreased with the
progress of cropping period. For sustaining tea crop production organic sources of fertilizers play a critical role in both
short term nutrient availability and long term maintenance of soil organic matter which sustains production and has a
positive impact on ecology. Organic matters are the sources of nitrogen and also provide large proportion of phosphorous
and sulphur in the soil. Different sources and dosages of organic manure are expected to change the physical, chemical &
biological properties of soil. The ability of soil to supply nutrients for crop growth and maintain soil physical conditions to
optimize crop yield is known to be an important component of soil fertility that determines the productivity of an
agricultural production system (Lal, 1984).
In Darjeeling tea concept of quality dominates over the quantity Fertilization is the most important and
controllable factor that affects the quality of tea. Several finding reveals that organically produced food including tea
possess high quality than conventional one (Brandt and Molgaard, 2001). Therefore, it was imperative to find out the
effects of organic inputs on the quality of the Darjeeling tea along with the yield. The biosynthesis of polyphenols, proline
and lipids were greatly influenced under organic tea farming practices (Kumar et al. 2012).
Organic tea production involves assisting nature to grow a healthy bush and conserve natural enemies of insect
pests, diseases and weeds to minimize crop losses caused by them. This is done by following all modern agronomic
practices. The change towards a sustainable farming concept in this perennial plantation crop cannot be easily achieved as
much as what may possibly be achieved with annual crops on a rotation system of cultivation. A far greater effort and
specialized skills are necessary to bring about such a change and yet manage such systems at economic level (Sivapalan,
1993).Keeping above facts in view the present study was undertaken on nutrient management in rejuvenated tea in relation
to soil health and yield.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Location
The experiment was conducted in the K.P.-5 section of Ambootia Tea Estate, Kurseong where the age of tea
bushes were more than 75 years and had low productivity, but the root portion was quite healthy and aerial part of the bush
were partially/ severely affected by necrosis, poria and plucking points were also uneven. Rejuvenation of ageing tea
sections of tea estates by rejuvenation pruning needs special care in respect of nutrient management to achieve desired
recovery of tea plants. It is a drastic operation which removes a major part of the tea bush by pruning to a very low level
(<12). The operation is aimed to improving the vigour of the tea bushes which are less productive owing to the age of tea
bush. The success of rejuvenation pruning depends on the recovery of the pruned bushes. The recovery can be hastened
through proper nutrient management.

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Improving Productivity of Ageing Chinary Tea Plantation through Rejuvenation

Pruning and Sustaining Soil Fertility by Use of Organic Inputs

435

Organic Inputs
De-oiled cakes viz. Til cake, Kusum/ Sunflower cake, Rice bran, Neem cake, Mustard cake, Ground nut cake,
Karanja cake and Bone meal were used as source of nitrogen and mixture of these cakes were prepared at the ratio of
1:1:1:2:1.5:1.5:1:1 respectively. After analysis of nutrient content in different de-oiled cake, average content of nitrogen
percent of mixture was 4.0%.The quantity of the mixture was calculated on the basis of nitrogen content in the mixture.
The total quantity of nitrogen was applied through the above mixture in the treatments T2 to T5 during the pruning year.
Two commercial organic manures (IMO certified) i.e. Organomax containing neem oil cake and kusum cake (Nitrogen3.9%, Phosphorus-3%, Potassium-1%, Organic Carbon-40%, Moisture-15%, Calcium-9% and Magnesium-0.4%) procured
from Laxmi Bio-chem, North 24 Parganas (W.B.), applied at recommended dose (100 kg ha-1) and Annapurna containing
well decomposed organic matter fortified with neem, castor and pongamia cake (Nitrogen-2.24%, Phosphorus-1.10% and
Potassium-1.50%) procured from Multiplex Bio-Tech Pvt. Ltd. Bagalore-560 086. applied at recommended dose
(400 kg ha-1). Other inputs such as BD-500, 501, CPP (Cow pit pat), Compost, vermicompost prepared at Ambootia Tea
Estate, Kurseong and their nutrient content is given below. All the treatments were supplemented by additional dose of 20
kg P2O5 ha-1 through rock phosphate.
Nutrient content of some organic inputs dry weight basis (except liquid)
Table 1
Name of Organic Inputs
BD500
Compost
CPP formulation liquid
Annapurna
Organomax
Groundnut cake
Mustard cake
Rice bran
Bone meal
Til cake
Neem cake
Kusum/Sunflower cake
Karanj cake
Vermicompost

Available N (mg/kg)
399.60
54.32
211.33
29.89
217.49
184.50
20.88
146.58
34.78
10.25
9.04
11.52
16.52
83.33

Total N (%)
2.50
1.87
2.97
2.24
4.39
3.71
5.21
3.54
6.56
3.33
1.40
3.11
3.86
1.63

Total P (%)
0.76
1.18
0.93
1.10
2.65
0.86
1.38
0.78
1.08
0.55
0.22
1.71
0.62
1.26

Total K (%)
0.11
0.23
0.25
1.50
0.46
0.69
0.65
0.65
1.17
0.22
0.99
0.49
0.41
0.34

Yield
The plucking of the shoots was done from the 2nd fortnight of March to November in order to observe the total
yield per annum from the different plots. 5 to 6 days interval of plucking rounds was followed in 1st and 2nd flush and 7
days interval in autumn flush. Total green leaf yield multiplied by factor 0.225 to get the made tea yield kg ha-1. The
recovery of made tea from green leaf during manufacturing was 22.5%.
Soil Sampling and Analysis
Soil samples were collected from top (0-15 cm) and sub (15-30 cm) soil before initiation of the experiment and
after every six months interval after application of organic inputs from each treatments using soil sampling auger. The soil
samples were air-dried and sieved through 2 mm sieve and then mixed thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Particle size analysis was done using Bouyoucos hydrometer method. Bulk Density was determined by core method. Water

www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

436

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

holding capacity was determined as described by Kanwar et al, (1976). Composite soil textural class was sandy loam type
which is suitable for the tea plantation. Available nitrogen was determined using Kelplus (Manufacturer) distillation unit
following Subbiah and Asija, (1956) method. Soil pH was determined in a soil: water (1: 2.5) solution using a glass
electrode pH meter. Soil Organic Carbon was estimated by Wet digestion method (Walkley and Black, 1934). Available
phosphorus was determined by the method of Brays (Bray and Kurtz, 1945). Available (exchangeable) potassium was
determined using flame photometer (Jackson, 1973).
Biochemical Analysis
For biochemical analysis harvested flush was manufactured in the miniature tea factory of DTRDC.
The chlorophylls and carotenoids were estimated from their methanolic extract following method of Taylor (1990) using
multi-wavelength system Hitachi 2000. Total polyphenols were estimated spectrophotometrically following Choudhury
and Goswamy (1983), total theaflavins and thearubigins following Roberts and Smith (1961) as simplified by Ullah (1972)
and caffeine content were determined following the method of Ullah et al (1987). Data were analysed statistically by
(Gomez and Gomez, 1984).
Economics
The economics of different treatment combinations computed on the basis of existing average cost of inputs,
wages of plantation workers engaged in different field operations such as pruning, plucking, application of manures,
weeding etc., average cost involved in manufacturing from green leaf to final produce and average sale price of made tea
etc.
Layout of Experiment
The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and 11 treatments viz. T1.
Control, T2. 125% of 120 kg N +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T3. 100% of 120 kg N +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T4. 75% of 120 kg N+20 kg
P2O5 ha-1, T5. 50% of 120 kg N +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T6. Organomax @ 100 kg + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T7. Annapurna @ 400 kg
+20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T8. B.D. 500 @ 75 g + 501+ CPP formulation (foliar) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T9. Compost @7.5 MT
(Soil application) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T10. Vermicompost @ 10% foliar (4 rounds year-1) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, T11. Compost @
3.75 MT + Vermicompost 5% foliar (4 rounds year-1) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1. De-oiled cake mixture, compost, rock phosphate
were applied through band placement method across the slope and others through foliar after pruning. All the treatments
were applied after receive of first monsoon shower each year while foliar spray was done in 4 rounds in a year at two
months interval (March November). Nitrogen dose was reduced to 90 kg (T2 to T5) and additional dose of P2O5 was also
discarded from 2nd year onward of pruning from all the treatments. Rejuvenation pruning was done in the month of
December, 2009.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Yield
The data summarized in Table1 and depicted in Figure 1 showed that there was a drastic reduction in made tea
yield during 2010 i.e. immediate after rejuvenation pruning and the reduction was recorded about 62% over pre-trial yield.
There was significant recovery in made tea yield was observed in successive years of pruning. The highest average
(three years) made tea yield (730.2kg ha-1 ) was recorded from the plot where 125% of 120 kg N+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 followed
by 100% of 120 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 75% of 120 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, Compost @7.5 MT (Soil application) +20 kg
Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Improving Productivity of Ageing Chinary Tea Plantation through Rejuvenation

Pruning and Sustaining Soil Fertility by Use of Organic Inputs

437

P2O5 ha-1, 50% of 120 kg N +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, Compost @ 3.75 MT + Vermicompost 5% foliar (4 rounds year-1) +20 kg
P2O5 ha-1. Annapurna @ 400 kg +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, Organomax @ 100 kg + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, Compost @7.5 MT (Soil
application) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, Vermicompost @ 10% foliar (4 rounds year-1) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1, was applied in the pruning
year. There was a significant gain in the made tea yield over control plot were recorded from all the treatments. Low yield
during the first year was recorded might be due to the rejuvenation pruning imposed to the old tea bushes. A significant
improvement in the yield second year onward was observed due to successful recovery of rejuvenated pruned tea bushes
(Figure 2, 3 & 4).
Organic Carbon
The data on organic carbon represented in the Table 3. It is obvious from the data that organic carbon values in
top soil increased significantly than the control. The highest organic carbon contents was recorded in the treatment having
125% of 120 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 followed by100% of 120 kg N+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and so on. Non- significant difference
in organic carbon content was observed in sub soil. Soil organic matter content is considered as important indicator of soil
quality. Organic manures serve as a corrective measure on adverse soil conditions caused by the continuous and excessive
use of inorganic fertilizers. Organically managed soils had higher organic matter content and provided a more stable soil
structure than conventionally managed soil (Papadopoulos et al., 2006).
Available Nitrogen
Data regarding the effect of organic inputs on available nitrogen in top and sub soil are presented in Table 4. It is
clear from table that available nitrogen content in soils has been affected positively. The highest build up of available
nitrogen in top soil was recorded under the treatment received125% of 120 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 followed by 100% of
120 kg N+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Organic manures caused favorable changes in soil reaction, enrich the nutrient status of the soil
and nourish soil microorganisms for better mineralization (Brady and Weil, 2002). Aydemir (1979) reported that 50% of
nitrogen in the fertilizer which is supplied to the soil is taken by the plants in the first year, 30 % is fixed by
microorganisms, 15% is lost by denitrification and 5% is lost by leaching.
Available Phosphorus and Potash
Data related to available phosphorus and potash in top and sub soil is presented in the Table 5&6. The highest
available phosphorus was recorded in the treatment where125% of 120 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1was applied and closely
followed by 100% of 120 kg N+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 however, lowest P and K were recorded in the control plots.
Bulk Density and Water Holding Capacity of Soil
Soil bulk density was reduced by the organic inputs to a minimum of 0.68g/cm3 in T2 followed by 0.71g/cm3 in
T3. The maximum of 0.88g/cm3 was found in the control which may be due to very low organic matter content in the soil
and in general the bulk density was lower in top soil than the sub soil may be due to high organic matter content in the top
soil. The soil compaction is a measure of the extent of soil health (Figure 6). Darjeeling tea soils showed uniform texture,
predominantly sandy loam type, irrespective of region and depth, or elevation (Ghosh & Rammohon, 1994).Low bulk
density creates favorable plant growth environment through enhancing root growth and air circulation which in turn has
implications for agricultural productivity (Brady and Weil, 2002). Generally, organic manures decrease the bulk density in
coarse textured soils due to better aggregation (Lal & Mathur, 1988; Islam et al., 2005). Similarly, Mathur (1997) observed
that soil treated with organic manures decreased the bulk density from 1.46 to 1.40 g/cm3 which confirms the present
www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

438

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

findings. Similar observations were also made by Phukan et al. (2008). The water holding capacity is an index of a number
of physical properties of soil where higher water holding capacity represents good physical condition of soil. The highest
water holding was recorded in T2 followed by T3treatment (Figure 7).Application of organic amendments improves water
holding capacity and lowers the soil bulk density (Litterick et al., 2004). Similar findings have also been reported by
(Barooah and Goswami, 2006).
Economics
The data presented in the Table 7 revealed that the cost of inputs varies greatly treatment to treatment might be
due to the huge variation in the cost of organic inputs which has direct impact on the net income and cost benefit ratio.
The highest average net return was computed from T9 followed by treatment T11, T7 and T6 while it was lowest in T1.
Further, the data reflect that maximum cost: benefit ratio i.e. 1:2.5 was achieved from the T9, T8, T7, and T6 however from
the treatments where mixture of de-oiled cakes were applied obtained the yield at higher side as compared the other
treatments but the C:B ratio is lower might be due to higher cost of cakes.
Quality
The parameters on biochemical aspects for organic tea are graphically presented in figure 8, 9 &10 which reveals
that the biosynthesis of polyphenols are greatly influenced under the organic cultivation of tea. In made tea total
polyphenol content was highest (29.42%) in T2 while it was lowest (25.45%) in T6 (Figure 8). Thus organic cultivation
seems conducive to synthesis of higher level of polyphenol. A higher level of polyphenols considered favorable in
enhancing the tea quality and due to their antioxidant property has a good impact in international market. Darjeeling tea
aroma is also partly developed due to the interaction between residual ortho-quinones (a polyphenolic product) with amino
acid, carotenes and the unsaturated fatty acids during the tea manufacture (Skoboleva et al, 1966). A higher level of
polyphenols in organic teas was also reported by Parmar (2008). The caffeine content in tea contributes to briskness and
astringency. The caffeine content does not vary significantly among all the treatments. Cloughley (1983) reported that
concentration of caffeine in black tea varied with different doses of nitrogenous fertilizers. In addition, the organic and
biodynamic products are known to have enhanced taste.
De-oiled cake application increased the total chlorophyll content and it varied from 910.76 g to1168.52g
(Figure 9). Highest total chlorophyll content was recorded in the treatment where 7.5MT compost + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 was
applied and closely followed by 125% of 120 kg N+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Krishnapillai and Ediriweera (1986) found that
increasing levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers increased the chlorophyll content of tea leaves. During tea
processing chlorophylls are transformed to pheophytin or pheophorbide (Wickremasinghe and Perera, 1966) which largely
determine the appearance of finished product in tea. Application of organic inputs did not show significant difference in
carotenoids content among all the treatments for Darjeeling tea. However carotenoid contributes to liveliness which is
likely as a consequence of VFC formed during manufacture of tea. The oxidative degradation of carotenoids to volatile
compounds like -ionone etc., enrich the desirable flavour (Sandersan, 1972). The Theaflavins varied from 0.60 to 0.78
percent whereas thearubigins varied from 9.46 to 13.62 percent (Figure 10). Theaflavins and thearubigins impart brightness
and color to liquor which in turn affect the liquor character. Application of organic inputs did not affect the liquor
properties adversely. In CTC teas, made from the three leaves and a bud shoots no significant difference in TF, TR, HPS
and TLC was observed (Radhakrishanan et al, 2006).

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Improving Productivity of Ageing Chinary Tea Plantation through Rejuvenation

Pruning and Sustaining Soil Fertility by Use of Organic Inputs

439

CONCLUSIONS
Present study showed that successful recovery of rejuvenation pruned tea bushes can be achieved by using
mixture of de-oiled cakes including bone meal and compost in pruning year. The quantum of made tea yield in the
successive years of pruning achieved with an application of mixture of cakes. Physico-chemical property of soil has also
improved through the use of organic inputs and plays an important role in sustaining productivity with restoring soil
fertility. Positive impact on biosynthesis of bio-chemical parameters achieved with the use of organic inputs. Organic tea
devoid of chemicals with high antioxidant properties makes them a perfect health drink.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to The Chairman, Tea Board of India, to provide necessary fund to conduct the
experiments and also thankful to management of Ambootia Tea Estate, Kurseong to provide necessary help during
experimentation.
REFERENCES
1.

Aydemir, O. (1979). Fertilizers and environmental pollution, Atatuk Univ. J. Fac. Agric., Erzurum,10:189-197.

2.

Barooah, A. K. and Goswami, H. (2006). Managing soils as a resource for sustained productivity.In field management in
tea.pp 129-142.

3.

Bisen, J. S. and Singh, A. K. (2012). Impact of inorganic to organic cultivation practices on yield of tea in Darjeeling hills-A
case study. Indian J. Hort.69 (2): 288-191.

4.

Brady, N.C. and Weil, R.R. (2002). The Nature and Properties of Soil.13th Ed. Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson Education.

5.

Brandt, K. and Molgaard, J.P. (2001). Organic agriculture: Does it enhance or reduce the nutritional value of plant foods? J.
Sci. Food Agric.81 (9): 924-931.

6.

Bray, R. H. & Kurtz, L. T. (1945). Determination of total, organic, and available forms of phosphorus in soils, Soil Science59:
39-45.

7.

Choudhuri, M. N. D. and Goswamy, M. R. (1983). A rapid method for determination of total polyphenolics matters in tea
(Camellia sinensis). Two and a Bud, 30 (1/2): 59-61.

8.

Cloughley, J.B. (1983). Effect of harvesting policy and nitrogen rates on the production of tea in Central Africa. II. Quality
and total value of the crop. Expl. Agric. 19: 47-54.

9.

Dey, S. K. (1967)The Soil survey and other problems. Pro.24th Ann. Conf. Tocklai, p 1-11.

10. Diepeningen, A. D., Vos, O. J. Korthals, G. W. and Bruggen, A.H.C. (2006). Effect of organic versus conventional
management on chemical and biological parameters in agricultural soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 31 (2), 120-135.
11. Ghosh P, and Rammohon, (1994). Studies on the fertility status of tea soils in Darjeeling.Ibib41 (1): 28-31.
12. Gomez, K.A. and Gomez, A.A. (1984). Statistical procedures for Agricultural Research, Ed. J. John Wiley and Sons. Inc., USA.
13. Hansen, B. Alroe, H. F. and Kristensen, E. S. (2001). Approaches to assess the environmental impacts of organic farming with
particular regard to Denmark. Journal of Agriculture, Ecosystem and Environment, 83 (1-2), 11-26.
14. Islam, M. Z., Yasmin, S., Malik, K. A., Sattar, M. A. and Hafeez F. Y. (2005). Potentials of PGPR to rice production in
Bangladesh. Proceedings of the International Seminar on Rice Crop, held on 12 October, 2005 at Rice Research Institute,
Lahore, Pakistan, pp. 87-96
www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

440

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

15. Jackson, M.L. (1973). Soil chemical analysis, Prentice Hall of India, Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi.
16. Kanwar, J. S. and Chopra, S. L. (1976). In Analytical Agricultural Chemistry.Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, pp 170-171.
17. Krishnapillai, S. and Ediriweera, V. L. (1986). Influence of levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on chlorophyll content
in matured clonal tea leaves. Sri Lankan J. of Tea Science,55(2): 71-76.
18. Kumar, N.; Rai, R. and Bera, B. (2012). Impact of organic farming on biochemical constituents and quality parameters of
Darjeeling tea (Camellia sinensis(L) O. Kuntze. Two and a Bud Vol. 59(2) pp. 50-55.
19. Lal S. and Mathur, B.S. (1988). Effect of long term application of fertilizers, manures and lime on crop yields and some soil
physical and chemical properties.J Indian Soc. Soil Sci.,38:21-26
20. Lal, R. (1984). Soil erosion from tropical arable lands and its control, Adv. Agron.37:183-248.
21. Litterick, A. M., Harrier, L. Wallace, P., Watson, C. A., Wood, M. (2004). The role of uncomposted materials, composts,
manures and compost extracts in reducing pest and disease incidence and severity in sustainable temperate agricultural and
horticultural crop production- a review. Critical Reviews in plant Sciences 23: 453-479.
22. MathurG (1997). Effect of long-term application of fertilizers and manures on soil properties and yield under cotton-wheat
rotation in north-west Rajashtan. Journal Indian Soc Soil Sci 45: 288-292.
23. Papadupopoulos, A., Bird, N. R. A., Whitemore, A. P. and Mooney, S. J. (2006). The effects of organic farming on the soil
physical environment. What can organic farming deliver? COR 2006, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburg, 18-20.
24. Parmar, V. S. (2008). Cultivation and Importance of Organic Tea in DarjeelingArea.ln Improving Productivity and Quality of
Tea through Traditional Agricultural Practices. Proc. Nat. Sem. held during 15-16 Nov., 2008. pp. 36-45.
25. Phukan, I., Baruah, A. and Bhagat, R.M. (2008). Infuence of combined use of organic, inorganic and bio fertilizer sources on
chemical, physical and biological properties of tea soil. Two and a Bud, 55: 28-35.
26. Radhakrishanan, B., Ranjeet Kumar, Q., Ganapaty, M.N.K. and Hudson,J.B. (2006). Effect of conventional, organic and
biodynamic Farming system in tea. J. Plantation crops, 34: 330-333.
27. Rahman, F. (1977). Nitrogen manuring of mature tea.TRA Occasional Sci Paper. 11, pp 1-8.
28. Roberts, E.A.H. and Smith, R.F. (1961). Spectrophotometric determination of theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea liquors
in assessment of quality of teas. The Analyst, 86: 94-98.
29. Sandersan, G.W. (1972). In: Structural and Functional Aspects of Phytochemistry (V.C. Runeckles, ed). Academic Press, New
York. pp 247-316.
30. Sivapalan, P. (1993). Organic farming of tea as an aid to maintaining environmental quality.Proceeding. Int. Symp. Tea Sci.
Human health, TRA, Calcutta, January, 11-14, pp. 300-16
31. Skoboleva, G.A. Cheturikov, A.G and Bockuchava, M.A. (1966). In: Biochemistry and Advanced Technology of Tea
Manufacture, Nauka, Moscow, pp 116-120.
32. Subbiah, B. V. and Asija, G. L. (1956). A rapid procedure for estimation of available nitrogen in soils.Curr. Sci.25 (8): 259260.
33. Taylor, S. (1990). In: Methodology for predicting black tea quality from the plant pigment composition of green shoots of tea.
A Report, NRI, U.K. pp 11-12.
34. Tongetti, C., Laos, F., Mazzarino, M. J. and Hernandez, M. T. (2005). Composting vs. vermicomposting: a comparison of end
product quality. Compost Science and Utility 1, 6-13.

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Improving Productivity of Ageing Chinary Tea Plantation through Rejuvenation

Pruning and Sustaining Soil Fertility by Use of Organic Inputs

441

35. Ullah, M. R. (1972). A simplified spectrophotometric method for measuring theaflavins and theaflavins in black tea liquors.
Curr. Sci., 41: 422-423.
36. Ullah, M. R., Gogoi, N. and Baruah, S. (1987). A rapid method for extraction and spectrophotometric determination of
caffeine in tea. Two and a Bud, 34: 50-53.
37. Wickremasinghe R.L. and Perera V.H. (1966 a). The blackness of tea and the color of tip. Tea Q., 37: 75-79.
38. Walkley, A.; Black, I.A. (1934) An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed
modification of the chromic acid titration method.Soil Science,37:29-38.

APPENDICES
Table 2: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Yield of Rejuvenated Chinary Tea Bushes

Treatments

Dose

T1
T2
T3
T4
T5

Control
125% of 120 kg N* +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
100% of 120 kg N* +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
75% of 120 kg N* +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
50% of 120 kg N* +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
Organomax @ 100 kg + 20 kg P2O5
ha-1
Annapurna @ 400 kg +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
B.D. 500 @ 75 g + 501+ CPP
formulation (foliar) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
Compost @7.5 MT (Soil application)
+20 kg P2O5 ha-1
Vermicompost @ 10% foliar (4 rounds
year-1) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1
Compost @ 3.75 MT + VC 5% foliar
(4 rounds year-1) +20 kg P2O5 ha-1

T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11

Made tea yield kg ha-1

2010 ( year
2011
2012
of R/P year)
(UT/LOS)
(LS)
163.1
420.2
461.9
230.4
667.4
721.2
239.1
630.5
635.9
188.5
581.6
646.3
215.1
531.8
557.7

2013
(MS)
465.8
802.0
740.5
730.0
637.4

Average
yield 2011
to 2013
449.3
730.2
669.0
652.6
575.6

178.7

497.3

560.2

573.2

543.6

197.9

495.8

582.3

556.5

544.9

166.3

482.8

560.2

539.2

527.4

213.4

564.2

644.9

657.6

622.2

165.4

479.7

508.5

499.5

495.9

196.8

511.9

619.8

558.9

563.5

57.93
87.21
70.35 69.24
-S.D.
N.S.
128.2
115.2
90.29
-CD at 5%
*Through the mixture of different De-oiled cakes viz. til cake, Kusum/ Sunflower cake, Rice bran, Mustard cake, Ground
nut cake, Karanja cake, Neem cake and bone meal,.
Table 3: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on pH of Soil
pH (1:2.5)
Treatments
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
S.D.
CD at 5%
www.tjprc.org

2011
4.40
4.73
4.58
4.44
4.59
4.56
4.64
4.44
4.32
4.58
4.64
0.16
NS

Top Soil (0-15 cm)

2012
2013
4.95
4.70
4.76
4.66
4.74
4.57
4.53
4.73
4.82
4.61
4.66
4.81
4.90
4.81
4.65
4.78
4.62
4.48
4.72
4.94
4.63
4.46
0.20
0.19
NS
0.38

Ave.
4.68
4.72
4.63
4.57
4.67
4.68
4.78
4.62
4.47
4.75
4.58
---

2011
4.33
4.60
4.33
4.37
4.49
4.46
4.47
4.32
4.26
4.43
4.47
0.15
NS

Sub Soil (15-30 cm)

2012
2013
4.67
4.60
4.69
4.90
4.64
4.70
4.43
4.70
4.68
4.70
4.42
4.60
4.81
4.70
4.61
4.60
4.49
4.60
4.66
4.60
4.39
5.00
0.21
0.16
NS
0.33

Ave.
4.53
4.73
4.56
4.50
4.62
4.49
4.66
4.51
4.45
4.56
4.62
--editor@tjprc.org

442

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

Table 4: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Organic Carbon Content in Soil

Treatments

2011
1.50
2.49
2.46
2.22
2.34
2.31
2.24
2.34
2.39
2.30
2.34
0.28
0.49

T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
S.D.
CD at 5%

Organic Carbon (%)

Top Soil (0-15 cm)
Sub Soil (15-30 cm)
2012
2013
Ave.
2011
2012
2013
Ave.
1.54
1.59
1.54
1.45
0.81
1.89
1.38
2.30
2.69
2.49
2.18
1.94
2.26
2.13
2.20
2.63
2.43
2.44
1.32
2.07
1.94
2.08
2.48
2.26
2.15
0.97
2.08
1.73
1.84
2.37
2.18
2.23
1.14
1.97
1.78
1.80
2.31
2.14
2.20
1.93
1.79
1.97
1.75
2.17
2.05
2.16
1.71
1.80
1.89
1.68
2.38
2.13
2.26
1.60
1.73
1.86
2.55
2.65
2.53
2.27
2.16
2.14
2.19
1.64
2.35
2.10
2.20
1.59
1.96
1.92
2.04
2.22
2.20
2.05
1.96
1.95
1.99
0.82
1.23
-0.31
0.45
0.15
-NS
0.47
-NS
NS
0.31
--

Table 5: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Nitrogen Content in Soil

Available N(Kg ha-1)
Treatments
2011
359.59
531.03
497.58
480.85
451.58
434.85
434.85
409.77
493.39
409.60
464.12
85.22
NS

T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
S.D.
CD at 5%

Top Soil (0-15 cm)

2012
2013
267.60
268.44
572.84
476.21
518.48
410.25
497.57
380.29
426.43
313.18
355.41
291.99
321.96
310.73
317.70
360.22
510.12
457.18
288.51
346.73
505.94
297.48
137.05
68.62
NS
132.07

Ave.
298.54
526.69
475.44
452.90
397.06
360.75
355.85
362.56
486.90
348.28
422.51
---

2011
342.87
426.49
376.32
401.41
388.86
426.49
367.95
351.23
443.22
321.96
418.07
86.50
NS

Sub Soil (15-30 cm)

2012
2013
246.70
234.88
401.40
391.47
355.46
346.73
280.15
357.92
238.33
353.58
275.96
324.36
313.60
302.99
363.77
313.18
393.04
369.10
384.68
346.73
296.87
313.18
138.48
92.58
NS
173.84

Ave.
274.82
406.45
359.50
346.49
326.92
342.27
328.18
342.73
401.79
351.12
342.71
---

Table 6: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Phosphorus Content in Soil

Treatments
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
S.D.
CD at 5%

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

2011
10.43
18.46
18.30
15.22
13.82
12.72
13.35
13.26
15.94
12.72
13.93
3.30
NS

Available P2O5(mg kg-1)

Top Soil (0-15 cm)
Sub Soil (15-30 cm)
2012
2013
Ave.
2011
2012
2013
13.14
14.28
12.62
8.61
7.73
19.80
18.03
28.45
21.65
18.28
13.90
25.68
16.49
22.82
19.20
15.64
11.44
29.71
15.69
24.65
18.52
14.89
11.21
22.03
15.15
22.23
17.07
14.47
9.44
28.21
15.03
18.27
15.34
13.20
9.34
16.64
14.73
18.49
15.52
12.66
9.02
13.84
14.72
19.01
15.66
9.93
9.61
24.96
17.33
27.62
20.30
14.99
11.48
29.16
14.72
23.82
17.09
9.64
10.01
14.43
15.32
32.17
20.47
14.66
9.24
16.92
1.67
6.67
-7.00
2.31
8.39
NS
10.03
-NS
NS
13.19

Ave.
12.05
19.29
18.93
16.04
17.37
13.06
11.84
14.83
18.54
11.36
13.61
---

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Improving Productivity of Ageing Chinary Tea Plantation through Rejuvenation

Pruning and Sustaining Soil Fertility by Use of Organic Inputs

443

Table 7: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Potassium Content in Soil

Treatments
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
S.D.
CD at 5%

2011
37.33
63.10
57.33
51.50
42.57
39.80
35.17
34.43
56.77
33.83
47.07
14.80
NS

Available K2O (mg kg-1)

Top Soil (0-15 cm)
Sub Soil (15-30 cm)
2012
2013
Ave.
2011
2012
2013
29.65
23.12
30.03
31.97
23.69
30.00
55.48
70.57
63.05
38.73
29.45
62.11
50.84
69.90
59.36
45.87
38.59
24.96
47.33
41.45
46.76
26.50
23.92
48.32
38.39
54.76
45.24
40.47
35.05
47.38
37.59
28.15
35.18
31.77
27.53
43.23
33.61
46.34
38.37
29.93
26.05
54.00
31.30
37.63
34.45
26.33
23.85
53.52
49.78
49.70
52.08
39.60
34.56
32.18
31.18
33.43
32.81
21.63
21.52
59.57
40.98
39.72
42.59
29.87
26.33
56.22
8.33
14.82
-8.90
2.83
18.51
8.10
29.36
-NS
4.09
35.37

Ave.
28.55
43.43
36.47
32.91
40.97
34.18
36.66
34.57
35.45
34.24
37.47
---

Table 8: Effect of Various Organic Inputs on Economics of the Various

Treatments Under Rejuvenated Pruned Tea. (4 Years Average)
Manufac
turing
Total
Manures and
Common
Trea
Cost
Input
Application
Maintenance
tmen
within
Rs.ha-1
Cost Rs.ha-1
Cost Rs.ha-1
ts
Factory
A+B+C=
(A)
(B)
Rs.
D
(C)
13460.80
91159.80
0.00
77699.00
T1
101436.80
77699.00
17537.40 196673.20
T2
77699.00
16496.50 175389.30
81193.80
T3
60939.00
77699.00
15644.50 154282.50
T4
40650.00
77699.00
15698.20 134047.20
T5
4331.00
77699.00
13886.00
95916.00
T6
14679.10
97265.90
4887.80
77699.00
T7
92136.00
1537.30
77699.00
12899.70
T8
19660.80
77699.00
15174.20 112534.00
T9
12305.80
95063.60
5058.80
77699.00
T10
11418.30
77699.00
14170.90 103288.20
T11
*Average yield of 4 years including pruning year i.e. 2010 to 2013.

Figure 1

www.tjprc.org

Made
tea
Yield*
Kg ha-1

Gross
Income
Rs.ha-1
(E)

Net
Income
Rs.ha-1
E-D

C:B
Ratio

377.8
605.2
561.5
536.6
485.5
452.4
458.1
437.1
520.0
413.3
471.9

200611.80
321361.20
298156.50
284934.60
257800.50
240224.40
243251.10
232100.10
276120.00
219462.30
250578.90

109452.00
124688.00
122767.20
130652.10
123753.30
144308.40
145985.20
139964.10
163586.00
124398.70
147290.70

2.2
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.3
2.4

Figure 2

editor@tjprc.org

444

J. S. Bisen, A. K. Singh, R. K. Chauhan, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

Figure 3

Figure 5

Figure 7

Figure 9
Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

Figure 4

Figure 6

Figure 8

Figure 10
NAAS Rating: 3.53