Multi-Objective Nitrogen Optimization in Tea Cultivation: A Pathway to Achieve Sustainability in Cash Crop Systems

Jinze Pei, Hongyu Yang, Menghan Huang, Xiaojun Yan, Xinran Zeng, Lijin Guo and Liangquan Wu ()
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Jinze Pei: International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Hongyu Yang: International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Menghan Huang: College of Rural Revitalization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Xiaojun Yan: State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Xinran Zeng: Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Lijin Guo: International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Liangquan Wu: International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in tea plantations is a common problem that leads to soil acidification and reductions in both yield and economic returns. To evaluate the impacts of varying nitrogen input levels (0–600 kg N ha −1 yr −1 ) on yield, as well as environmental and economic outcomes, a two-year field experiment was conducted. Results demonstrated that when nitrogen application exceeded 150 kg N ha −1 yr −1 , key efficiency indicators—agronomic efficiency (NAE), recovery efficiency (NRE), and partial factor productivity (NPFP) declined markedly. Among all treatments, the 150 kg N ha −1 yr −1 rate achieved the highest NRE at 28.01%. Moreover, environmental burdens including global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication intensified with increasing nitrogen input. Benefit analysis revealed that yield-based economic returns peaked between 150 and 165 kg N ha −1 yr −1 , whereas the highest ecosystem economic benefit, accounting for both profit and environmental cost, occurred at 120 kg N ha −1 yr −1 . Thus, 120 kg N ha −1 yr −1 is identified as the optimal application rate for maximizing integrated economic and environmental returns while maintaining yield. These findings provide valuable guidance for promoting sustainable nitrogen management in tea cultivation worldwide.

Keywords: tea; nitrogen fertilizer application; economic benefits; sustainable tea production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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