Abstract:
This study examines the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and their
relationship to soil conservation and yield sustainability across corporate tea estates in the
Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. Regenerative agriculture aims to restore soil health,
enhance biodiversity, and improve climate resilience within plantation ecosystems. Data
were collected from ten major estates Court Lodge, Blairlomond, Waldemar, Delmar, Park,
Matura, Alma, Bramley. Mahauva, and Highforest using structured questionnaires, field
assessrnents, and index value measurements. Data were collected, scored and analyzed to
calculate a Regenerative Agriculture Adoption Index for each estate. The findings revealed
variation in adoption levels. with Udapussellawa plantations showing a higher average
Adoption (40.1%) compared to estates under the Maturata plantation group (31.9o/o).
Estates u'ith strong adoption of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology systems, tenacing,
and organic matter management exhibited higher Soil Quality Index values, indicating
improved soil structure, nutrient content, and biological activity. Descriptive and
correlation analyses confinned a positive relationship between soil conservation measures
and yield sustainability (t: 0.215), while regional comparisons showed the Udapussellawa
region exhibiting greater regenerative adoption than Maturata Plantation estates.
Moreover, estates such as Blairlomond and Court Lodge displayed the highest total area
contributions to carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement, underscoring their
ecological stewardship. The findings emphasize that regenerative agriculture significantly
contributes to soil recovery, carbon storage, and sustainable tea productivity, though
limited adoption of composting and Agri-towism practices constrains full-scale
transformation. Strengthening institutional support, capacity building, and financial
incentives is recommended to expand regenerative adoption across Sri Lanka's tea sector.
