Effects of straw mulching and white clover intercropping on soil environment and the production of tea in young tea plantation in subtropical hilly region

Compared with general tea plantation(clean tillage tea plantation), the effects of straw mulching and white clover intercropping on soil environment, the yield and quality of tea in young tea plantation in subtropical hilly region were studied through four years large-field experiments. Results show that both of the two biological measures decrease the soil density and improve soil physical properties and soil fertility. The soil water content is increased in key layers(0～20 cm depth) during key period (April to June), and the period of high temperature and drought is postponed and shortened. The two measures have multiple dynamic effects on soil temperature at different observation time and different depthes. Therefore, the growth of tea tree is boosted, the quality of tea is improved, and the yield of tea is evidently increased. Compared with general treatment, the ratio of tea polyphenol to amino acid of green tea in young tea plantation with straw mulching and white clover intercropping decreases 0.68% and 28.14% respectively, and the yield increases 26.19% and 32.65% respectively. The effect of white clover intercropping is better.