Metabolomic exploration of CTC tea manufacturing waste validates its potentiality as organic fertilizer

Abstract

Valorization of agro-industrial waste resources is today’s main focus for agribiotechnologists. This research work was designed to valorise tea industrial waste, i.e., manufactured by-products from crush-tear-curl (CTC) tea factory. Physicochemical analysis has been carried out to characterize tea waste treated soil. Pot experiment with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] was considered to study the impact of tea waste on plant growth. Morphological parameters such as length of plants and pods, and girth diameter were considered for growth study. Effect of tea factory waste on soil nutrition was found remarkable with increased organic carbon, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur content. Pot culture revealed impact of tea waste composted soil on boosted plant growth. GC-MS based metabolite profiling revealed xanthosine and caffeine as major compounds in tea waste extract. A possible pathway has been proposed to explain the role of xanthosine and caffeine breakdown in fertilization of soil and plant growth. Disposal of tea wastes produced during tea manufacturing can be managed in a sustainable manner if this research is implemented industrially. This research portrays a notable nutrient richness in tea waste treated soil. Detection of purine metabolites revealed remarkable fertilizing and plant growth promoting properties of CTC tea waste.