Abstract: 【Objective】The aim of this study was to investigate the soil and nutrient effects and economic benefits in a tea and soybean intercropping system. 【Method】Field experiments were conducted on an acid soil at the Tea Research Institute of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences located in Yingde County for both spring and summer seasons. Two nationally certificated soybean varieties and two provincially certificated tea varieties were used to investigate the effects of tea-soybean intercropping on soil characteristics, nutrient status, tea plant growth, weed control, and protection of pest and disease in the intercropping system. 【Result】Tea and soybean intercropping significantly improved soil and nutrient status of the tea plantation by decreasing exchangeable Al content, increasing pH value and enhancing organic matter, available N and total N contents. Intercropping significantly facilitated tea tree growth as indicated by increased vigor of young leaves and enhanced tree crown necessary for a high-yield tea production. Intercropping also significantly improved the micro-ecology of the tea plantation by reducing weed growth, pest and disease occurrence, and therefore increased tea yield and economic benefits of the tea plantation. 【conclusion】Intercropping tea tree with appropriate soybean varieties is an effective cultivation method with great ecological and economic benefits. In addition to the harvest of two seasons of soybean, tee and soybean intercropping could increase soil fertility, improve microecology and enhance tree yield, and therefore may provide a useful approach to developing high-yield organic tea plantations.

Key words: tea tree, soybean, intercropping, soil and nutrient status, economic benefit