Metabolomic and Ionomic analysis of the effects of different cultivation modes on the quality of Tieguanyin tea.

Modern intensive tea cultivation boosts yield through high-density dwarfing, yet often at the expense of soil vitality and leaf quality. This study compared a traditional dwarfing and close planting system (TM) with a tall and wide planting system (NM) to explore how cultivation modes regulate Tieguanyin tea quality. NM alleviated soil acidification, increased available potassium (AK) and Exchangeable‑magnesium (E-Mg), promoted root development, and thus enhanced nutrient uptake. Leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) rose alongside increased free amino acids and tea polyphenols, despite a decline in yield. Key taste compounds, including theanine and catechins, were significantly enhanced. Aroma analysis showed that trans-β-ionone and phenethyl isovalerate contributed to spring tea aroma differences, whereas linalool was dominant in autumn tea. Redundancy analysis indicated that N and P played central roles in regulating metabolite variation. Ultimately, optimizing cultivation modes improves soil-plant interactions and tea quality.