GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AFFECTING THE CULTIVATION AND QUALITY OF LONGJING TEA

Geochemical environment, landscape and climate conditions are importan t factors affecting the distribution and quality of agricultural produ cts. Methods and techniques of exploration geochemistry were applied t o study geochemical rock and soil characteristics which affect the cul tivation and quality of world famous Longjing Tea. The study shows tha t soil type and its total and bioavailable element content directly af fect the quality of Longjing Tea. Geochemical factors can be used in r ecommending the siting of Longjing Tea plantations to obtain high qual ity tea, and to assist in tea-garden management.