Influence of Nitrogenous Fertilizer Rates and Plucking Intervals on Tea in Peatland and Highland Ultisol Soils of Rwanda: 1 Tea Yields

Abstract

Tea in Rwanda, is grown in different agro-ecosystems comprising highlands and drained low elevation peatlands. The plantations use uniform agricultural practices imported from Eastern Africa countries, but without re-testing for suitability. The practices include nitrogenous fertilizer use and harvesting, which are most expensive agronomic inputs in tea cultivation. These practices need optimization for tea the growers to realise maximum tea production. Trials were conducted for eight years using clone TRFK 6/8 fields in Kitabi and Mulindi to evaluate influence of nitrogen fertiliser rates and plucking intervals on tea yields. Nitrogen (NPKS 25:5:5:3) rates used were 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300kg N/ha/year and plucking intervals were 7, 14 and 21 days. Tea yields were higher (p less than or equal to 0.05) in Kitabi than in Mulindi, implying tea productivity in Rwanda vary with geographical region of production. Although mean site yields demonstrated increase (p less than or equal to 0.05) with nitrogenous fertiliser rates, responses varied between the two sites. At Kitabi, annual yields increased (p less than or equal to 0.05) with nitrogen rates, peaking at 225 N ha/year. At Mulindi, significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) response to nitrogen rates was observed in only one year. Application of fertiliser was therefore necessary in Kitabi, while in Mulindi, little benefit was realised from nitrogen fertiliser use. Yields increased (p less than or equal to 0.05) with short plucking intervals at both sites throughout the eight years. Shortening plucking intervals can therefore improve tea production in Rwanda.