Fertilization is a cultivation practice that plays an important role in the productive, environmental and economic sustainability of the crop and its main objective is to achieve plantations with a high productive potential, both in quantity and quality.
In the case of the olive grove, fertilization planning has evolved in recent years. In addition, the intensification of the crop, with higher planting densities and irrigation as the most relevant characteristics, has resulted in a very significant improvement in the production of olive groves.
For the correct fertilization, the nutritional needs that are required for the optimal development of the tree and its fruits must be taken into account.
Among the usual fertilizer proposals of the second half of the 20th century for traditional dry-land olive groves, many of them with low production, were the fixed contributions of fertilizer to the soil according to established calendars and lacking technical criteria in most of the occasions.
At present, it seeks to optimize the applications of fertilizers avoiding the adverse effects of their misuse, considering the productive capacity of the plantations, quantity and distribution of rainfall, phenological and nutritional status of the olive trees, soil fertility and contribution of nutrients. for irrigation water in your case among others.
It is important to bear in mind that it is a complex practice in which multiple factors are involved and that if this is not carried out correctly, excessive contributions can be made, or not meet the needs of the crop, of some elements, such as occurs frequently with nitrogen and potassium.
Before adopting a fertilizer strategy, we must evaluate the composition of the soil (its analysis is recommended every 4 or 5 years) and especially monitor the concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). It is important to note that the nutrient needs of the olive tree vary throughout the different vegetative phases of the plant. This is something that must be taken into account when planning the fertilization of the olive tree and contributing them to the crop.
To know when to apply compost to olive trees, It must be borne in mind that they grow practically throughout the year, bloom in spring and bear fruit right afterwards. Therefore, it is interesting to pay them at the end of winter and not stop until autumn.
In spring, as it is a very important time for the olive tree, it is important to plan a good foliar fertilization, essential to reinforce flowering and improve fruit set.
- Nitrogen: It is the most important element in the subscriber of the olive tree. It accelerates the vegetative activity and the development of the plant, increases the assimilation capacity of other elements and influences the production.
- Match: It takes part in the biochemical processes of the plant. Accelerates ripening and improves flowering and fruit set.
- Potassium plays an important role in the transport of sugars in the plant, in transpiration and in numerous biochemical processes in which it has to be present. Increases the tree’s resistance to frost and cryptogamic diseases. Improves the size and quality of the fruits.
In addition to these three basic macroelements in the fertilization of the olive grove in spring, there are others that can limit the production or reduce the response of the application of other fertilizers. This is the case of boron, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese for whose contribution the previous foliar analysis is important..
- Boro: during the phases of development of flower buds and flowering is when the plant has its maximum needs.
- Zinc: its deficiency is manifested by the loss of apical dominance in the shoots, in a reduction in the size of the leaf and shortening of internodes, internervial chlorosis and reduction of plant growth.
The olive tree responds well to the contributions of nitrogen, potassium and microelements (except iron) by foliar route, which can be carried out taking advantage of treatments of phytosanitary products and which are especially indicated in dry weather.
Foliar absorption of nutrients is favored if the ambient temperature is mild, if the ambient humidity is high and if the olive tree has a significant proportion of young leaves, which occurs from April to July.
Among the characteristics of the foliar fertilizer we find:
- But a nutrient supply compatible with vegetative growth and flowering that acts as a complement to soil fertilization, particularly in dry land and the poorest soils.
- Stimulate the plant and improve its resistance, facilitating the setting of the olive and reducing fruit losses.
- Improve flowering and prevent flower bleeding.
Finally, it is very important to note that when the foliar fertilizer to the olive treeIt must be considered that its function is to accompany the fertilization of the roots, not to replace it. These are complementary applications to those made via soil or fertigation and must be taken into account so that duplications do not occur. A correct application of the foliar fertilizer in the olive tree ensures positive results quickly.
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