Abstract:
Drought affects significantly on various crops, including tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)
Kuntze). Sri Lankan tea cultivation faces frequent challenges of seasonal drought. In
the present study, the impact of seasonal drought on tea cultivation in the Deniyaya
area, which belongs to the low -country wet zone of Sri Lanka, was evaluated to identify
the economic and social impacts of drought on the Sri Lankan tea industry, employing
a mixed-methods approach. As quantitative data, soil parameters (pH, electrical
conductivity, moisture and phosphate concentration) and climatic parameters (air
temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) were used in the study. Qualitative data were
obtained through interviews and surveys with tea industry stakeholders. Regression
analysis was used to quantify relationships between soil parameters, climate variables,
and tea outcomes. Warmer temperatures (27.2 οC - 29.6 οC) during 09/30 -10/03 in
2023 led to a higher tea yield of 149 kg per week in acre. Consistent temperature
(27.6 οC) during 10/03 - 10/07 resulted in a stable yield of 125 kg. However, higher
temperatures (29.2 οC – 34 οC) led to reduced tea yield critically. In another way, higher
soil phosphate levels retained during the period of one month resulted in mitigation
of the low crop yield. Soil pH level and conductivity did not show an observable effect
on tea yield in this period. Soil moisture directly depends on average rainfall and soil
moisture percentage involves tea outcomes. Optimizing environmental conditions and
implementing effective agricultural practices are essential for maximizing tea yield in
drought periods.
