Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common limitation in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) production affecting both yield and quality negatively. Zn deficiency symptoms in tea plant include decrease in growth, short internodes, reduction in the size of leaf, interveinal chlorosis, bronzing of the leaves, and increase in susceptibility to abiotic stress such as chilling. The present study aimed to explore the effect of soil and foliar Zn application at three dosages on tea yield in a commercial plantation in Northern Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted at Islam Tea Estate, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh to compare the efficacy of soil and foliar Zn application on the yield of tea and to determine the optimal application dose. The ZnSO₄ was applied at rates of 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 g ha^-1 to the soil, and 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg L^-1 as foliar spray at 45-day intervals over a period of 135 days. At regular intervals, tea leaves were picked and weighed to observe productivity. Results showed that leaf yield was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in both soil and foliar Zn application compared to the control plants. The highest soil application yield (511.78 g plant^-1) with 400 g ha^-1 was 5% higher, while the foliar application yield (562.25 g plant^-1) at 400 mg L^-1 was 8% higher. However, foliar application was more effective, probably due to faster Zn absorption by the leaf cuticle. The findings support an integrated Zn management approach, where soil application could be used for baseline Zn enrichment and foliar sprays could serve as supplemental treatments during critical growth phases. Such a strategy would optimize resource use efficiency and ensure sustainable tea production in Zn-deficient regions like northern Bangladesh. The findings underscore the critical role of Zn in tea nutrition and support the integration of foliar Zn fertilization into standard nutrient management practices. Adoption of this strategy has the potential to enhance tea productivity, improve leaf quality, and ensure sustainable cultivation in Zn-deficient tea-growing regions.