Natural variations and dynamics of macronutrients for 87 tea plant (Camellia sinensis) varieties throughout the growing seasons in Wuhan

•Significant variation of N, P and K levels in specific leaves was observed among tea germplasm.•Nutrient utilization efficiency was variety dependent and elite genes were supposed involved.•Significant variation of seasonal nutrient requirements was identified for tea varieties.•Nutrient remobilization efficiency verified the accurate budget to allocate nutrient supply.