Abstract: In this study, a field experiment was conducted to compare five tea cultivars (strains) under half fertilization and conventional fertilization for two years. The response of half fertilization to tea sprouting period, yield and quality was studied. The results show that compared with the conventional fertilization, half fertilization had little effect on the sprouting period of five tea cultivars (strains). Under half fertilization, the tea yield, free amino acid, caffeine and theanine contents decreased, while the content of polyphenols, ester catechin, non-ester catechin and phenol-ammonia ratio increased. The sensory evaluation results were consistent with the chemical component changes in the tea. Compared with the conventional fertilization, the average yield reduction of Zhongming 6, Zhongming 7, Zhongming 192, Wanghai Tea 1 and Longjing 43 under half fertilization were 4.19%, 12.09%, 2.13%, 22.59% and 3.29% respectively. Under half fertilization, Wanghai Tea 1 had an obvious response, Longjing 43 and Zhongming 7 had relatively significant responses, and Zhongming 6 and Zhongming 192 had little response. Except the yield of Wanghai Tea 1 decreased significantly, the tea yield and quality show no obvious change in the rest tea cultivars (strains) under different fertilization treatments. To a certain extent, the results indicate that half fertilization would not significantly affect the benefit of tea gardens within 2 years. The results also provided a preliminary theoretical support for the implementation of weight loss and stability of tea garden benefits.

Key words: tea cultivars, half fertilization, tea yield, tea quality