tea leaves as soil amendment

Carol A. Miles (milesc@wsu.edu)
Mon, 8 Apr 1996 16:12:24 -0800

Last fall, I viewed a PBS special report featured on Japan and the use of
brewed tea leaves as an agricultural resource. Now, a local ice tea
brewing company in my area (SW Washington) is interested in funding some
research to look into the agricultural uses of its brewed tea leaves.
Currently the tea leaves are land filled and the company is convinced this
in not the best means of disposing of the tea leaves.

Does anyone have any information either on the Japanese work with brewed
tea leaves, or any other source of research into this issue? I am
specifically looking for any soil benefits that may arise from adding
brewed tea leaves, or potential pest impact, and soil fertility gains. Any
research or experience relevant to this issue would be appreciated.

Carol A. Miles, Ph.D.
Washington State University
Extension Agricultural Systems
360 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
PHONE 360-740-1295 FAX 360-740-2792
milesc@wsu.edu