This research project was started in the Rize Tea Research Institute of Turkey in March 1985.Cuttings have been taken from two perviously selected clones named Muradiye- 10 and Fener-3 were planted in two different mediums of soil+perlit and soil+sand which were contained in polyethylene bags of suitable size (measures of volume).The plants have been transferred into the shaded polyethylene tunnels have developed an evident root and top growth in six months time and have taken the form of nursery during this period.The nurseries on this stage were used as the test plant in the experiment.The test plants were supplied with different levels of N (No , Nı ,N2 and N3 ), P ( Po, Pı ,P2) and K (Ko, Kı, K2).Since the N3 applications have caused severe damage to the plants, this treatment was completely eliminated  and  tea experiment rearranged in 2x2x3x3x3 factorial design.

    In the experiment the nutrients were applied to the growing mediums in solution in 10 equal portions with a frequency of two weeks intervals. The carriers of N ,P and K were 21 % (NH4)2SO4 , pure P2O5 and 50 % K2SO4 respectively.After one year of growth.the nurseries were harvested.On the harvested plants, growth parameters such as dryweight of leaves , stems , roots and the ration of top to roots and the ratio of top to root , leaf area , number of leaves and plants hight were meaured or calculated; and the chemical analysis such as N , P and K contents of leaves , stems and roots were carried out.

    Statistical evolution (analysis) of the experimental data have shown that the highest leaf and stem weight , top to root ratio , leaf area, number of leaves and plant hight were obtained with NıP2Ko fertilizer treatment.On the other hand NıPıK2 fertilizer combination has given the highest root weight.On the basis of these results it was concluded that 1 g.N (Nı), 3 g P2O5 (P2) and no potassium (Ko) per plant were optimum N ,P ,K levels.But for the root growth , the optimum K level was found to be K2 (3 g.K2O) treatment .Ineffectiveness of leaves, stems and roots were carried out.

    Statistical evolution (analysis) of the experimental data have shown that highest leaf and stem weight , top to root ratio , leaf area, number of leaves and plant hight were obtained with NıP2Ko fertilizer treatment.ON the other hand NıPıK2 fertilizer combination has given the highest root weight.On the basis of these results it was concluded that 1 g.N (Nı), 3 g. P2O5 (P2) and no potassium (Ko) per plant were optimum N,P, K levels.But for the root growth , the optimum K level was found to be K2 (3 g. K2O) treatment.Ineffectiveness of the K treatments on majority of the growth parameters tend to suggest that the soil used in preparing the growth media may contain plant available K high enough for nurseries.

    As a result of chemical palnt analysis it was inferred that N , P and K contents of leaves , stems and roots have increased depending on the increasing N ,P, K applications. On the other hand. an antagonistic effect between N and K was noted, especially in higher N and K application levels.Namely, İncreasing N levels decreased K uptake and vice versa by the test plant.