RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF CONVERSION AND ORGANIC TEA PRODUCTION IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS

Abstract

Results of investigation and assessment on the current status of conversion and organic tea production in the Northern Mountainous Regions showed that: The tea cultivation area of the five surveyed provinces is 70,392 hectares, accounting for 70.39% of the total area in the Northern Mountainous Region and 57.23% of the country's total tea-growing area (123.000 hectares). The current status of organic tea production varies by region: In lowland areas, the soil is nutrient-poor, with humus content below 2%. In highland areas, the soil is nutrient-rich, with humus content above 3%. Soil pH ranges from 4.10 to 5.2. The climate is suitable for organic tea production. The quality of organic tea products is rated between 16.9 and 17.7 points. The conversion period for organic tea production in lowland areas ranges from 12 to 48 months, depending on local tea cultivation conditions. The conversion and organic tea production process incorporates several technical measures, including buffer zones, soil management, water management, fertilization, shade trees (intercropping), mulching materials and plant protection.