Spring Fertilization for High-Mountain Tea

Spring tea starts after the previous harvest

Recovery, pruning, retained leaf area, pest pressure and root health determine how the next flush responds. A weak bush is more likely to suffer from one heavy application than benefit from it.

Place basal nutrition in the active root zone

Match basal inputs to organic matter, pH and drainage. On steep, wet sites, reduce surface concentration and runoff risk, and place nutrients where feeder roots can reach them rather than against the trunk.

Time pre-bud inputs to field conditions

Applications made too early may meet cold soil and slow uptake; late inputs may miss shoot demand. Use bud swelling, soil moisture and near-term weather together instead of calendar dates alone.

Do not optimize only for dark green leaves

Nitrogen must support shoot growth without excessive internode length or disease pressure. Potassium, magnesium and micronutrient balance should also match the desired tea-making style.

Test before correcting acidity

Tea tolerates acidic soils, but excessive acidity can still constrain roots and nutrient availability. Test soil first and make gradual amendments based on buffering capacity.