Rebello, RhysBurgess, Paul J.Girkin, Nicholas T.2022-01-242022-01-242022-01-14Rebello R, Burgess PJ, Girkin NT. (2022) Identifying sustainable nitrogen management practices for tea plantations, Nitrogen, Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2022, pp. 43-572504-3129https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen3010003http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/17486Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. It is mostly grown in the tropics with a heavy dependence on mineral nitrogen (N) fertilisers to maintain high yields while minimising the areas under cultivation. However, N is often applied in excess of crop requirements, resulting in substantial adverse environmental impacts. We conducted a systematic literature review, synthesising the findings from 48 studies to assess the impacts of excessive N application on soil health, and identify sustainable, alternative forms of N management. High N applications lead to soil acidification, N leaching to surface and groundwater, and the emission of greenhouse gases including nitrous oxide (N2O). We identified a range of alternative N management practices, the use of organic fertilisers, a mixture of organic and inorganic fertilisers, controlled release fertilisers, nitrification inhibitors and soil amendments including biochar. While many practices result in reduced N loading or mitigate some adverse impacts, major trade-offs include lower yields, and in some instances increased N2O emissions. Practices are also frequently trialled in isolation, meaning there may be a missed opportunity from assessing synergistic effects. Moreover, adoption rates of alternatives are low due to a lack of knowledge amongst farmers, and/or financial barriers. The use of site-specific management practices which incorporate local factors (for example climate, tea variety, irrigation requirements, site slope, and fertiliser type) are therefore recommended to improve sustainable N management practices in the long term.enAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/teafertilisersoil amendmentsbiocharnitrification inhibitorapplication rateeutrophicationyieldqualitynitrous oxideArticle