Tanzania’s Tea Sector Boosted by Targeted Fertilizer Research from TRIT

The Tanzania Tea Research Institute (TRIT) has made significant strides in optimizing tea production across the country, driven by its latest research on the most suitable fertilizer use and soil fertility management. With tea being one of Tanzania’s major export commodities, this research is seen as a game-changer for the country’s tea sector, particularly for smallholder farmers who contribute a significant portion of the national tea output.

Targeted Fertilizer Use: The Key to Improved Yields

In recent years, tea farmers across Tanzania have faced challenges related to soil nutrient depletion, inefficient fertilizer use, and fluctuating yields. TRIT’s research has addressed these challenges by providing region-specific recommendations on the best fertilizers to apply based on local soil conditions and the unique needs of the tea plant.

1. Mufindi (Iringa Region)
   In the lush tea-growing highlands of Mufindi, where most of Tanzania’s premium tea is cultivated, TRIT has recommended the use of NPK fertilizers (25:5:5). This blend provides the nitrogen necessary for vegetative growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall plant health. Farmers in Mufindi are encouraged to split applications into 3-4 cycles throughout the year, aligning with the rainy season to ensure that the nutrients are absorbed by the plants when they need them most.
2. Njombe (Southern Highlands)
   Njombe, known for its fertile highlands and favorable climate, has benefited from the application of Urea, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. TRIT’s research found that applying urea at the beginning of the growing season significantly boosts leaf growth, essential for tea production. However, farmers are advised to incorporate the urea into the soil immediately after application to minimize nitrogen loss due to volatilization.
3. Lushoto (Tanga Region)
   Lushoto’s tea farms, located in the mountainous Tanga region, have faced sulfur deficiencies, which affect tea quality. To combat this, TRIT recommends Ammonium Sulfate, which not only provides nitrogen but also corrects sulfur deficiencies. Applied during the rainy season, this fertilizer helps to ensure vigorous vegetative growth and improved leaf quality, which translates into higher yields and better export prices.
4. Rungwe (Mbeya Region)
   In Rungwe, where tea is a critical economic activity for smallholder farmers, TRIT has suggested using Single Super Phosphate (SSP). Phosphorus is essential for root development, and SSP is applied before planting and during the early growth stages of the tea bushes. TRIT advises farmers to apply SSP once or twice a year, depending on the phosphorus levels in the soil, which can be measured through soil testing.
5. Usambara Mountains (Tanga Region)
   The Usambara Mountains, with their unique microclimate, present both opportunities and challenges for tea production. Here, TRIT has recommended the use of Potassium Nitrate. This fertilizer not only supplies nitrogen but also provides potassium, which improves disease resistance and enhances the quality of tea leaves. TRIT’s research indicates that small, frequent applications of potassium nitrate during periods of active leaf production are ideal for these high-altitude regions.
6. Bukoba (Kagera Region)
   In Bukoba, where tea is grown alongside other crops, TRIT has encouraged the use of organic fertilizers and compost. Organic matter improves soil structure and water retention, which is critical for sustaining tea production in the more temperate climate of Bukoba. Organic compost, applied as top dressing or mixed into the soil during land preparation, releases nutrients slowly over time, supporting the long-term health of the tea bushes.
7. Amani (Tanga Region)
   In Amani, which experiences high rainfall and relatively cooler temperatures, Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) has been recommended by TRIT to address magnesium deficiencies that often affect tea plants in this region. Magnesium is crucial for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, and TRIT advises that magnesium sulfate should be applied as a foliar spray during periods of high growth for quicker absorption and visible improvements in plant health.

The Role of Soil Testing and Custom Fertilization

A major takeaway from TRIT’s recent findings is the importance of soil testing before fertilizer application. TRIT’s research highlights that tea farmers across Tanzania benefit most from fertilizers when they are applied precisely, based on the specific deficiencies found in their soil. This ensures that the nutrients provided by fertilizers are used efficiently by the tea plants, reducing wastage and lowering costs for farmers.

TRIT has been actively working with smallholder tea farmers, offering training and resources to promote the use of soil tests. Farmers in the Southern Highlands have already started reaping the benefits of this approach. “Soil testing has allowed us to apply only what the plants need, and this has resulted in a better harvest,” says one tea farmer from Njombe.

Addressing the Sustainability Challenge

One of the critical concerns raised by TRIT is the need for sustainability in fertilizer use. Overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation over time, reducing productivity and impacting the environment. To address this, TRIT has been promoting a balanced approach that integrates organic matter and sustainable soil management practices.

TRIT’s research on organic compost and manure has shown that these natural fertilizers not only improve soil health but also reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Smallholder farmers in Bukoba and other regions have been incorporating organic matter into their farming practices, which has helped improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase water retention—key factors for maintaining healthy tea bushes.

TRIT’s Broader Impact on Tanzania’s Tea Industry

Since its establishment in 1996, TRIT has played a pivotal role in supporting both small-scale and large-scale tea producers through high-quality research and technology transfer. The institute operates two research stations, Ngwazi in the Southern Highlands and Marikitanda in the Tanga Region, where they conduct field trials and studies to develop best practices for tea production. These stations represent the two major agro-climatic zones for tea production in Tanzania, making TRIT’s research highly relevant to the specific challenges faced by farmers in these regions​

Through partnerships with tea processing factories and regional tea associations, TRIT ensures that its research findings are communicated effectively to farmers. This close collaboration allows for the seamless adoption of new technologies and fertilizer practices, helping to boost productivity and sustainability in the Tanzanian tea industry.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, TRIT plans to continue its research into soil fertility management and sustainable fertilizer use. The institute is also focusing on developing climate-resilient tea varieties and improving water management practices to help farmers cope with the challenges posed by climate change. With tea being a crucial export crop for Tanzania, the work of TRIT is vital for ensuring that the country remains competitive on the global market while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

As Tanzania’s tea industry evolves, TRIT’s research and recommendations will continue to shape the future of tea production, ensuring that farmers can maximize yields, improve quality, and protect the environment for future generations.