Nutrients and Limiting Factors of Soil in Camellia oleifera Fields in East Jiangxi

The soil fertility of Camellia oleifera fields in Yushan County, Jiangxi Province was analyzed using ASI method. Sorghum was applied as the indicator crop to determine and evaluate the nutrient contents and limiting factors of the soil to provide information for improving the tea oil productivity of C. oleifera. The results showed that the soil was low on nutrients and organic matters. The contents of P, K, Ca and Mg were deficient and considerably below the minimum thresholds, while Cu, B and Zn marginally adequate, for the plant growth. On the other hand, S, Fe and Mn were generally abundant. A potting test for two sites showed that, without added P, K, Ca and Mg, the yield of sorghum plants reduced by 30.86%-42.14%, 44.89%-52.51%, 73.91%-84.49%, 13.42%-18.89%, respectively. To properly fertilize the land, a balanced addition of Ca and Mg as well as P and K was recommended.