Tea is a shade loving plant. From a practical point of view, about 50-60% diffused sunlight is found suitable for its growth and development. Thus, the provision of appropriate shade using leguminous shade trees, is vital for the establishment of tea. Before the planting out in the field, the establishment of shade trees and green-manuring crops is made. In Bangladesh tea, the temporary shade species, Indegofera teysmanii is grown at spacing 3.0 to 4.6 m. depending on the topography of plantation. When the permanent shade trees, viz. Albizzia odoratissima, A. lebbeck, and Derrris robusta become establish after 5/6 years, the temporary shade trees are removed. The spacing of permanent shade trees varies from 3x3m. to 5x5m. Square. While planting, the south and south-west slope of the tillah should be avoided unless the proper shade is established beforehand. The planting pattern of shade on different topographical diversity and the method of growing the green crops
A planting design for a composite tea plantation which is adopted in principle is shown in fig . Bogamedeola is sown in lines at distance of 240 cm. while the tea is planted at spacing 120 cm x 60 cm. The permanent shade trees are planted 6m x 6m. Square, but temporary shade at 3m x 3m. spacing. One row of green crop is placed alternate of two rows of tea. The placement of temporary shade may be adjusted along the shade trees or separate line at 3m. apart.
