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The objective of this study is to investigate soil physical characteristics under tea gardens at the alluvial plain of Cong River in Tan Cuong commune, Thai Nguyên province, Vietnam. The study area is the core area for high-quality tea production. Three tea gardens in a transect line established perpendicularly with the river were selected as study sites. For comparison, two adjacent forested patches on the transect line and one tea garden in Song Cau commune, which is considered as an inferior tea production area in the province were also surveyed. The terrains of the study sites were the lowland adjacent to the river, followed by the previous dike away from the river. Soil samples were collected at the depths of 0-10 cm and 20-30 cm. Texture and mineralogy affected by different terrains along the transect lines were the key factors regulating important physical properties of soil. Soil compaction induced by annual flood and agricultural activities in tea cultivation and promoted by coarse texture was considered as one of the key factors degrading soil physical guality, particularly in riverside areas.
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