Effect of Tea Waste on Some Chemical Properties of an Alkaline Soil with Clay Loam Texture | ||
| دانش خاک و گیاه | ||
| Volume 35, Issue 3, October 2025, Pages 57-77 PDF (1.47 M) | ||
| Document Type: Research Article | ||
| DOI: 10.22034/sps.2025.67742.1017 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Azadeh Abdari1; Mahdi Shorafa* 1; Mostafa Mazreati2 | ||
| 1Department of Soil Science Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. | ||
| 2Department of Textile Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background and Objectives The rising consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has introduced significant challenges to agricultural production, including soil degradation, reduced water retention, and the proliferation of pests and diseases. Consequently, the agricultural community is exploring sustainable solutions, such as the use of organic fertilizers, which can help maintain soil health and enhance fertility. Tea, recognized as a valuable global commodity, generates substantial waste during its production and processing stages. If effectively managed, these wastes can not only reduce environmental pollution but also create additional income opportunities through the conversion of waste into value-added products. Tea cultivation holds considerable socio-economic importance, particularly in developing countries, with global consumption reaching approximately 5 million tons in 2013. Over recent decades, the global tea industry has experienced rapid growth, with production increasing by about 19 million tons from 1992 to 2022. The growing demand for tea has resulted in the generation of significant amounts of waste, including pruned stems, buds, leaves, and residues from processing. These wastes are often burned or improperly disposed of, leading to potential soil, water, and air pollution. Proper management of tea waste can transform it into valuable resources. Sustainable and effective utilization of this waste is critical for managing tea production by-products. Tea waste generally contains the same components as the primary tea, offering similar biological activities. Due to their accessibility and high potential, tea wastes can serve as a rich source of organic matter to enhance soil fertility. With nutrient deficiencies prevalent in many soils and the high cost of chemical fertilizers, recycling agricultural waste is seen as an important solution. This process can supply essential nutrients for plants and improve overall soil fertility. Additionally, the use of organic wastes mitigates environmental issues and pollution, while the recycling and repurposing of these wastes can enhance soil organic matter. Thus, the recycling of agricultural and other organic wastes is vital for maintaining soil health, increasing food security, and generating additional income, positioning it as an effective strategy for sustainable crop production that can enhance both environmental and agricultural conditions. Materials and Methods In this study, soil samples with a clay loam texture were collected from a depth of 0-25 cm at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. The physical and chemical properties of the soil were evaluated using standard laboratory methods. The tea waste, including leaves, stems, and wood, was obtained from Lahijan and characterized. The tea waste was sieved through a 4 mm mesh and added to soil columns at weight ratios of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. Statistical analyses and mean comparisons were conducted using SAS software. The experiment included 24 columns, divided into two sets of 12 for chemical assessments before and after incubation. Treatments involved three replicates and four levels of tea waste mixed with 3 kg of soil. Results The variance analysis indicated that the addition of tea waste significantly influenced soil chemical properties. Specifically, soil pH levels decreased with increasing percentages of tea waste, with the 4% treatment showing the most substantial increase in acidity. Electrical conductivity also demonstrated significant changes, particularly before and after the incubation period. The addition of tea waste led to a notable increase in organic matter and nitrogen content, enhancing the nutrient status of the soil. Additionally, the levels of potassium and phosphorus in the soil increased significantly with the incorporation of tea waste, indicating improved these nutrients availability. These findings are consistent with previous studies, reinforcing the notion that tea waste can effectively improve soil quality and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The results illustrate that tea waste can serve as a sustainable solution for improving soil properties and providing essential nutrients, thereby contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity. Conclusion This study showed that adding tea waste to soil can significantly improve its quality. Key improvements include increased levels of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. These enhancements contribute to better soil health and fertility, making tea waste a valuable organic resource for sustainable farming. Using tea waste as a natural soil amendment helps reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and supports environmental sustainability in agricultural practices. Author Contributions Conceptualization, M.S. and A.A.; methodology, M.S., A.A. and M.M.; software, M.S., A.A. and M.M.; validation, M.S.; formal analysis, M.S. and A.A.; investigation, M.S., S.A., and M.M.; resources, A.A.; data curation, M.S. and A.A.; writing-original draft preparation, A.A.; writing–review and editing, M.S. and A.A.; visualization, A.A.; supervision, M.S..; project administration, A.A. and M.S.; funding acquisition, M.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Data Availability Statement Data is available on reasonable request from the authors. Acknowledgements This paper is published as a part of a Master's thesis supported by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology of the University of Tehran, Iran. The authors are thankful to the University of Tehran for financial supports. Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethical considerations The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Bioavailability; Nutrients; Organic fertilizer; Soil acidity; Waste management | ||
| References | ||
|
Abdolahi Arshad, M., Rangzan, N., & Nadian Ghomsheh, H. (2023). Effect of spent tea waste, compost and biochar on some growth parameters and concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under salinity stress. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 47(7), 1029–1044. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2023.2292763 Abedini Abkeshri, H., Hashem Abadi, D., & Kavyani, B. (2014). Effect of root inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in different planting substrates on some physiological indices and micro nutrient concentrations in Pelargonium peltatum cv. Red blizard. Journal of Plant Environmental Physiology, 9(36), 58-70. (In Persian with English Abstract) Ahmadidehaj, M., Qasemnejad, M., Zavarah, M., & Shiri, M. (2012). Effect of tea waste and zeolite as a soilless cultivation substrate on growth and quality of tomato fruit. Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production, 22(2), 56-65. (In Persian with English Abstract) Bakoğlu, A., & Çatal, M. İ. (2025). Impact of organic materials (tea waste and farm manure) on yield, protein content, fiber fractions, and mineral composition of tea plants in an organic system. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 56(4), 1232-1246. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2025.2452172 Blake, G. R., & Hartge, K. H. (1986). Bulk density. Pp. 363-382. In: A. Klute (Ed.), Methods of soil analysis. Part 1- Physical and mineralogical methods. Second ed., Agronomy Monograph 9, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Bremner, J. M., & Mulvaney, C. S. (1982). Nitrogen- total. Pp. 595-624. In: A. L. Page, R. H. Miller, & D. R. Keeney (Eds.). Methods of soil analysis. Part 2, Chemical and microbiological properties. American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Carter, M., Gregorich, E., Adl, S., Acosta-Mercado, D. R., Anderson, T., & Lynn, D. H. (2007). Soil sampling and methods of analysis. CRC Press, 1264 pages. Chatterjee, R., Gajjela, S., & Thirumdasu, R. K. (2017). Recycling of organic wastes for sustainable soil health and crop growth. International Journal of Waste Resources, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.4172/2252-5211.1000296 Gamage, D. N., Peiris, T., Kasthuriarachchi, I., Mohotti, K. M., & Biswas, A. (2025). Enhancing soil resilience to climate change: Long-term effects of organic amendments on soil thermal and physical properties in tea-cultivated Ultisols. Sustainability, 17(3), 1184. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031184 Glab, T., Żabiński, A., Sadowska, U., Gondek, K., Kopeć, M., Mierzwa–Hersztek, M., & Tabor, S. (2018). Effects of co-composted maize, sewage sludge, and biochar mixtures on hydrological and physical qualities of sandy soil. Geoderma, 315(1), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.11.034 Gulser, C., & Peksen, A. (2003). Using tea waste as a new casing material in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (L.) Sing.) cultivation. Bioresource Technology, 88, 153–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(02)00279-1 Hassanpour Asil, M., & Ramezan, D. (2013). Investigating the effect of scratching different cover soils on the production of button mushrooms. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 44(4), 1-8. (In Persian with English Abstract) Karak, T., Paul, R., Kutu, F., Mehra, A., Khare, P., Dutta, A., Bora, K., & Boruah, R. (2017). Comparative assessment of copper, iron, and zinc contents in selected Indian (Assam) and South African (Thohoyandou) tea (Camellia sinensis L.) samples and their infusion: A quest for health risks to consumer. Biological Trace Element Research, 175, 475–487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-016-0783-3 Kazemi, Sh., & Padash Dehkadeh, S. (2014). Study of the effects of silkworm manure compost on the growth characteristics of ornamental plant Syngonium podophyllum. In First National Congress on Flowers and Ornamental Plants, Karaj: National Research Institute of Flowers and Ornamental Plants, Mahalat, Iran. (In Persian with English Abstract) Kisinyo, P., et al. (2021). Carbon mineralization dynamics of organic materials and their usage in the restoration of degraded tropical tea-growing soil. Agronomy, 11(6), 1191. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061191 Klute, A., & Dirksen, C. (1986). Hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity- laboratory methods. Pp. 687-734. In: A. Klute (Ed.), Methods of soil analysis. Part 1, Physical and mineralogical methods. Second ed., Agronomy Monograph 9, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Koné, S. B., Dionne, A., Tweddell, R. J., Antoun, H., & Avis, T. J. (2010). Suppressive effect of non-aerated compost teas on foliar fungal pathogens of tomato. Biological Control, 52, 167-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2009.10.018 Le, V. S., Lesueur, D., Herrmann, L., Hudek, L., Quyen, L. N., & Brau, L. (2021). Sustainable tea production through agroecological management practices in Vietnam: A review. Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 4, 589–604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-021-00182-w Lindsay, W. L., & Norvell, W. A. (1978). Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 42, 421-428. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200030014x Luo, T., Zhu, Y., Lu, W., Chen, L., Min, T., Li, J., & Wei, C. (2021). Acidic compost tea enhances phosphorus availability and cotton yield in calcareous soils by decreasing soil pH. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B—Soil & Plant Science, 71(8), 657-666. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064710.2021.1933161 Mahaly, M., Senthilkumar, A. K., Arumugam, S., & Kaliyaperumal, C. (2018). Vermicomposting of distillery sludge waste with tea leaf residues. Sustainable Environment Research, 28, 223-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.serj.2018.06.002 Mendoza, C., & Torres, F. (2025). Nitrogen mineralization in soils amended with tea leaf waste. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 25(1), 150–163. Mezher, Z. Y., & Almehanya, F. H. (2024). Effect of potassium nitrate and black tea leaf waste on the chemical composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 56(3), 1316–1323. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.3.39 Morikawa, C. K., & Saigusa, M. (2008). Recycling coffee and tea wastes to increase plant available Fe in alkaline soils. Plant and Soil, 304(1-2), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-008-9544-1 Morikawa, C. K., & Saigusa, M. (2011). Recycling coffee grounds and tea leaf wastes to improve the yield and mineral content of grains of paddy rice. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 91(11), 2108–2111. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4444 Olsen, S. R., & Sommers, L. E. (1982). Phosphorus. In A. L. Page, R. H. Miller, & D. R. Keeney (Eds.), Methods of soil analysis Part 2, chemical and microbiological properties. Second ed., Agronomy Monograph 9, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Page, A. L., Miller, R. H., & Keeney, D. R. (1982). Methods of soil analysis Part 2, Chemical and microbiological properties. American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Pakfetrat, S., Amiri, S., Radi, M., Abedi, E., & Torri, L. (2020). The influence of green tea extract as the steeping solution on nutritional and microbial characteristics of germinated wheat. Food Chemistry, 127288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127288 Rhoades, J. D. (1982). Soluble salts. In A. L. Page (Ed.), Methods of soil analysis Part 2, chemical and microbiological properties (pp. 167-178). American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA. Saberi, S., Minaei, S., Almasi, M., & Barghai, A. (2012). Effect of tea waste application as compost on some physical properties of soil. In: First National Conference on Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development, Ministry of Interior, Tehran, Iran. (In Persian with English Abstract) Sembiring, M., Mukhlis, M., Razali, R., & Hidayat, B. (2025). Exploring the diversity of cellulolytic microorganisms from tea factory waste and evaluating their potential in breaking down tea waste. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d260137 Seth, D., Athparia, M., Singh, A., Rathore, D., Venkatramanan, V., Channashettar, V., Prasad, S., Maddirala, S., Sevda, S. & Kataki, R. (2023). Sustainable environmental practices of tea waste- A comprehensive review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30848-3 Sial, T., Liu, J., Zhao, Y., Khan, M., Lan, Z., Zhang, J., Kumbhar, F., Akhtar, K., & Rajpar, I. (2019). Co-application of milk tea waste and NPK fertilizers to improve sandy soil biochemical properties and wheat growth. Molecules, 24, 423. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24020423 Street, R., Szakova, J., Drabek, O., & Mladkoval. (2006). The status of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) in tea and tea infusions in selected samples imported to the Czech Republic. Czech Journal of Food Sciences, 24, 62–71. https://doi.org/10.17221/3301-CJFS Walkley, A., & Black, I. A. (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Science, 37, 29-38. https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-193401000-00003 Wang, S., Li, T., Zheng, Z., & Chen, H. (2019). Soil aggregate-associated bacterial metabolic activity and community structure in different aged tea plantations. Science of the Total Environment, 654, 1023–1032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.145 Wang, S., Zhang, Z., & Ye, S. (2020). Response of soil fertility characteristics in water-stable aggregates to tea cultivation age in hilly region of southern Guangxi, China. Catena, 191, 104578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2020.104578 Wang, Z., Ahmad, W., Zhu, A., Zhao, S., Ouyang, Q., & Chen, Q. (2024). Recent advances review in tea waste: High-value applications, processing technology, and value-added products. Science of the Total Environment, 946, 174225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174225 Wulansari, R., et al. (2021). Evaluation growth of tea seedling and population of azotobacter sp. from application compost of green tea factory waste. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 6(3), 119–125. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20210603.17 Yaylalı Abanuz, G., & Tüysüz, N. (2009). Heavy metal contamination of soils and tea plants in the eastern Black Sea region, NE Turkey. Environmental Earth Sciences, 59, 131-144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0154-2 Yin, J., Wang, J., Zhao, L., Cui, Z., Yao, S., Li, G., & Yuan, J. (2025). Compost tea: Preparation, utilization mechanisms, and agricultural applications potential–A comprehensive review. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 104137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2025.104137 Yıldırım, G. H., Ay, E. B., & Şahin, M. D. (2025). The effects of tea wastes prepared using different composting methods on the seedling growth and selected biochemical properties of maize (Zea mays var. Indurata). Food Science & Nutrition, 13(8), e70670. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70670 Zhang, S., Yamashita, H., & Ikka, T. (2025). Exploring from soil acidification to neutralization in tea plantations: Changes in soil microbiome and their impacts on tea quality. Reviews in Agricultural Science, 13(1), 66-80. https://doi.org/10.7831/ras.13.1_66 Zhao, J.-J., Huang, X.-H., Hua, L.-L., Zhou, S.-S., Jiang, W., Tang, Y.-C., & Qian, J. (2022). Effects of tea residue biochar on phosphorus adsorption-desorption in soil. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 31(3), 2461–2471. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/143357
| ||
|
Statistics Article View: 193 PDF Download: 135 |
||