Abstract: To evaluate integrated ecological effects of intercropping young tea plants with aromatic plants, we investigated the populations of pests and natural enemies, soil nutrient status, growth of tea plants and tea ingredients in the intercropping plots. Aromatic plants intercropped with young tea plants reduced the numbers of Empoasca onukii Matsuda and Apolygus lucorum Meyer-Dür, and increased the numbers of natural enemies, such as coccinellids, lacewings, parasitoids and spiders in the tea plantations. The contents of ammonium nitrogen, available phosphate and available potassium in the soils in the plots intercropped with aromatic plants were relatively higher than those in the plots intercropped with white clover and the control. Intercropping facilitated tea growth, enhanced tree crown formation and increased vigor of young leaves, which are necessary for high yield of tea. Intercropping tea with aromatic plants decreased the contents of TP and caffeine, and increased the contents of soluble sugar and catechins in tea leaves, and finally improved the quality of tea. The results demonstrated that intercropping tea with aromatic plants is an effective cultivation method with great ecological economic benefits, and can promote the development of ecological tea plantation.

Key words: aromatic plants, basil, perill, intercropping, tea tree, ecological regulation