The Roots On which Tea Plants Survive

India map showing the area with the
largest  tea plantation

A lot of research and studies have been done to study the cultivation of tea. The factors responsible for better growth of tea can be categorised into climatic factors,soil factors,and other factors.  


CLIMATIC FACTORS:
According to studies a tea plant requires a moderately hot and humid climate.
Rain,is one of the most important factors in tea cultivation.Luckily,the average annual rainfall in North-East India ranges from 2000-4000mm.But for a good yield you need to have a stable amount of rainfall. But unfortunately In the North East India, the rainfall distribution is not even. The excess rainfall in the monsoon 
months of June-September causes drainage problems,which adversely affects the tea cultivation.Sometimes it also happens that due to less rainfall, it results in soil moisture deficit again affecting the tea bushes.
Temperature,being the second most important need for tea plants,researchers have concentrated a lot in this regard.In general, the ambient temperature within 13°C and 32°C is advisable for tea plantation.Temperature more or less than this could lead to damage of the crops. That is the reason why there is no plantation during the winter  months of December to March as the temperature drops down to 12°C and there is hardly any growth during this period. 
There are mainly four flushing periods(when the new shoot appears from the dormant bud). The 1st flush period commences from March and April, the 2nd flush period is during the months of May and June; July,August and September being the 3rd flush period also known as 'rain flush' and the last and the 4th flush period is the 'autumn flush' which commences during the month of October and November. Studies have also found that low temperature causes slower growth and low yield. This is the very obvious reason why the hilly districts of Darjeeling has low tea cultivation in comparison to the plains of Dooars and Assam.


SOIL FACTORS:
As a child I have always heard my dad talk about well drained soils with good depth being very important for better growth of the tea crops.Studies have found that acidic pH in the range 4.5 to 5.5 and more than 2% organic matter are other different very important factors. It also reveals that the depth of ground water table should not be less than 90 cm for good growth of tea. Catchment planning is required for improved soil and water management practices.

Tall tress are planted in between 
the tea rows

OTHER FACTORS:
To improve the nutritional value of the soil many different kinds of small plants like fern,green manure,etc are planted between the tea rows. This provides temporary shade to the young tea crops which in turn helps in branch and seedling formation, helps the tea plants from soil erosion and weeds.
The long, tall trees like those of the Eucalyptus, Teak , etc. are planted between the tea rows only after it has grown fully.
These trees in return helps improving the moisture content in the atmosphere around.


These are some of the amazing factors and main roots on which a tea plant survives.