Abstract: To evaluate the effects of long-term conventional fertilization and formulated fertilization strategies on soil fertility and tea yield of tea plantations, we conducted field experiments in Shigu Village (SG) of Xiangxi Town and Shang’an Village (SA) of Xinxiang Town in Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province during 2013-2024. Soil properties were monitored, including soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and readily and slowly available potassium. The correlations between soil properties and tea yield were analyzed. Soil fertility and tea yield under formulated fertilization were compared with those under conventional fertilization. The results showed that: (1) long-term formulated fertilization significantly improved soil fertility by increasing the contents of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and slowly available potassium, while conventional fertilization increased the contents of available phosphorus and readily available potassium but significantly intensified soil acidification. (2) Conventional fertilization resulted in slightly higher tea yield than formulated fertilization by 4.9% and 7.1% in SG and SA, respectively. However, the sustainable yield index (SYI) of formulated fertilization was 0.83 and 0.71 in SG and SA, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of conventional fertilization. In addition, the low interannual coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that formulated fertilization led to higher stability and sustainability in agricultural production. (3) Principal component analysis revealed significant positive correlations between tea yield and soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and slowly available potassium. The implementation of formulated fertilization better promotes medium to long-term nutrient balance and sustained supply, thereby enhancing the stability of soil fertility and production efficiency in tea plantations. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing fertilization strategies and achieving sustainable management of tea plantation ecosystems in the mountainous regions of southern Zhejiang.

Key words: tea plantation, fertilization strategy, soil fertility, tea yield, long-term positioning experiment