Research Article Details

Abstract

Soil fertility is crucial to the development, production, and long-term health of Darjeeling tea plantations, since tea planting is a significant agricultural activity in the region. Using pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, accessible phosphorus, and potassium as its primary indicators, this research evaluated the nutritional quality of soils in Darjeeling Sadar and Kurseong areas that are used for tea plantations. The results showed that the soils were mostly acidic; in Darjeeling Sadar, the pH ranged from 4.25 to 5.83, while in Kurseong, it was 5.20 to 5.46. While Kurseong had much more accessible phosphorus, Darjeeling Sadar had somewhat higher organic carbon and total nitrogen. Regardless of the area or soil depth, potassium levels were consistently high. According to the nutritional index examination, Darjeeling Sadar has a high organic carbon status, both areas have a moderate nitrogen status, Kurseong has a high phosphorus status, and potassium levels are consistently high. The surface soil plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and plant nutrition, since nutrient concentrations were generally greater in the topsoil compared to the subsoil.

Keywords: Tea plantation, Fertility, Nutritional status, Organic carbon, Phosphorus