Restoring the Tea Garden: The Role of Biodiversity Studies in the Tea Ecosystem

Tea gardens are unique agroecosystems that integrate cover crops with ecological sustainability. Understanding their ecology helps maintain a balance between tea production and effective pest management.

Importance of Tea Garden Ecology

Tea plantations can support more biodiversity than urban open spaces. By implementing sustainable practices, tea gardens can contribute to environmental conservation while improving productivity.

Indian Laws Governing Tea Garden Ecology

• Plant Protection Code
• Tea Waste (Control) Order, 1959
• Tea Act, 1953
• Laws Establishing Environmental Concern in Tea Gardens

Contribution of Tea Plantations to Biodiversity Conservation

• Using native tree shades and organic farming can help conserve native biodiversity.
• Tea plantations can provide habitats for animals like elephants, tigers, and leopards.
• Tea plantations support ecosystem goods and services, contributing to soil health and water conservation.
• They can serve as substitute habitats for bryophytes and lichens, enhancing micro-ecosystem stability.

International Directives Supporting Sustainable Tea Farming

• United Nations Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights (UNGPs) – India has committed to these principles.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – India’s commitment aligns with global sustainability targets.
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct – A global framework for responsible corporate operations.
• Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – Aims to ensure responsible environmental practices.
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – Enhances transparency in sustainability reporting.

Why Conduct Tea Garden Ecological Studies?

• To increase soil productivity and enhance tea yield.
• To reduce fertilizer dependency and promote organic alternatives.
• To build capacity among tea workers and local tribes.
• To meet export quality standards for sustainable tea production.
• To promote aesthetics and eco-tourism opportunities.
• To diversify income streams for tea gardens.
• To promote natural prey-predator relationships, reducing pesticide use.
• To utilize tea waste as an additional resource for environmental well-being.
• To conduct detailed biodiversity assessments of tea gardens.

Major Disadvantages of Monoculture in Tea Gardens

• Soil Degradation – Continuous single-crop cultivation depletes soil nutrients, requiring excessive fertilizer use.
• Pest and Disease Susceptibility – A monoculture system is prone to pest outbreaks, leading to heavy pesticide use.
• Erosion and Runoff – Large-scale monoculture increases soil erosion, particularly in hilly tea-growing regions.
• Vulnerability to Climate Change – Lacks resilience against extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions.

SWOT Analysis of Tea Gardens

Strengths :

• Capacity building for tea workers
• Promoting agroecosystem sustainability
• Establishing natural prey-predator relationships

Opportunities :

• Augmenting predator populations
• Improving economic benefits
• Diversifying business through eco-tourism and cover crops
• Enhancing societal well-being through sustainable practices

Weaknesses :

• Limited understanding of prey-predator dynamics
• Insufficient knowledge about beneficial predator species
• Lack of awareness about trees that support natural pest control

Threats :

Fragile ecosystem due to monoculture

• Persistent pest issues
• Uncertainty about pest attack stages and cycles

MSK’s Scope of Work in Tea Garden Ecology Studies

• Faunal Survey – Assessing avian diversity, hexapod invertebrates, and natural predators.
• Floral Survey – Identifying trees and ferns with medicinal value.
• Biodiversity Mapping – Comprehensive assessment of tea plantation ecosystems.
• Capacity Building – Training local communities in sustainable tea farming.
• Tea, Water, and Soil Testing – Ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
• Mitigation Planning – Developing strategies to reduce environmental impact.
• Comprehensive Reports – Covering crop diversity and conservation practices.

Benefits of Cover Crops in Tea Plantations

• Enhancing Soil Fertility – Cover crops improve crop diversity and nitrogen fixation.
• Natural Pest Control – Emission of plant volatiles attracts natural predators, reducing pesticide dependence.
• Climate-Resilient Crops – Using crops like sorghum and cowpea supports ecological stability.
• Improved Biodiversity – Intercropping with plants like lavender repels tea pests, reducing infestation levels.

Promoting Ecosystem Well-Being in Tea Gardens

• Encouraging avian diversity for natural pest control.
• Supporting natural predator populations to regulate pest infestations.
• Implementing cover crops to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
• Enhancing awareness among tea tribes for sustainable tea farming.

By integrating biodiversity studies and sustainable agricultural practices, tea gardens can not only improve productivity but also contribute to long-term ecological stability and economic resilience. A well-managed tea ecosystem ensures better quality tea while preserving the natural environment.