2.2. Seasonal Agricultural Practices
Data on seasonal tea cultivation practices were collected through social survey as well as observations of tea
cultivation practices. Surveys and observations were conducted with the cooperation of ten tea famers in Uji Area.
The social survey consist of semi-close ended questionnaires accompanied with direct interview, while the
observations of seasonal tea cultivation practices were conducted through direct observations with cross referencing
fromliterature data.
In general the tea cultivation process in Uji Area follows a single flow of cultivation process, whichis a complete
season lasted for a full one year. Although there are some tea farmers who are able to harvest tea leavesfor 2 to 3
times a year, in general the tea farmers in Uji Area conduct harvestingonly once a year to maintain its quality.
Based on the analysis of the gathered data as shown in fig.4, approximately one month prior to bud break, tea
farmers apply fertilizer on the dormant tea bushes. The most crucial period of tea cultivation process takes place
between the beginning of March until the beginning of May. Pruningtakes place immediately after harvesting
isfinished, with the degree of pruning depth depends on each farmers. The second treatment towards the soil is
conducted around mid-summer season to allow optimal nourishment for the plant.In general dormant period will
start around mid of November where the average temperature has drop below 10oC.
Fig. 3.