Introduction to the fertilization plan in olive groves.
Learn about the fertilization plan in olive groves that has been followed in a farm located in Montilla (Córdoba). The farm, with olive trees of the Martiño or Picual variety that are approximately 20 years old, has adopted an effective strategy to optimize production.
Nutritional needs
Olive trees, as plants, have certain nutritional needs to grow and produce fruit optimally. Here are some key points about the nutrients they require:
- Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is essential for olive growth and production. It is absorbed mainly in the form of nitrates and, to a lesser extent, as ammonia. During the life cycle of the olive tree, nitrogen requirements are highest from bud differentiation to fruit set and fruit fattening. It is also crucial during bone hardening.
- Phosphorus (P): Together with other macronutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur, phosphorus is essential for cell development, photosynthesis, respiration and energy storage. It also plays an important role in the growth of the root system.
- Potassium (K): Potassium is strongly bound in soil colloids and is necessary for overall plant development. It is not critical when it is applied, as it is released gradually into the soil. It is compatible with most nitrogen fertilizers.
- Microelements: In addition to macronutrients, the olive tree also needs microelements such as iron, boron, zinc, magnesium and manganese for biological functions such as growth, flowering and fruit fattening.
For a healthy and productive olive grove, it is important to provide adequate fertilization, taking into account the specific needs of each field and always consulting an expert agronomist for an efficient and sustainable fertilization program according to Fertilisofia®.
Bottom fertilization to the soil
The importance of a bottom-up fertilization of the soil was emphasized by using the product NITRENE® 23-5-5 with nitrogen inhibited with DMPP (nitrification inhibitor) applied in early spring. This product allows a better fixation of nitrogen in the soil, ensuring that the plant absorbs it in the form of ammonium, which results in a more efficient nitrogen and is available to the plant at the times when the crop needs it.
Foliar treatments
Application of TARAFOL® EXTENSIVE PLUS as part of the nitrogen utilization strategy as it contains an exponentially effective and long-lasting nitrogen. This product contains a high concentration of nitrogen, distributed in all its forms, thus being the product with the widest spectrum of action and being able to guarantee the needs of the plant throughout the entire crop cycle. TARAFOL® EXTENSIVE PLUS has been applied close to flowering to ensure assimilation by the olive tree over a period of time.
As for foliar treatments, a Prays control calendar is followed, with three main treatments: at the end of February, during flowering (end of April or beginning of May), and at the beginning of June. Different nutrient compositions are applied in each treatment, with a focus on increasing fruit set and flowering flower fertility.
Finally, the importance of increasing potassium via foliar application in June with TARAFOL® KECO in June, coinciding with the hardening of the stone, to ensure adequate nutrition of the olive tree at this crucial stage of fruit development. TARAFOL® KECO is a fertilizer with a high concentration of potassium, which prepares the plant for adverse climatological stages, favors ripening processes, providing greater uniformity of fruit size and improving yield.
This fertilization strategy in olive groves follows the Fertilosofía® principle and has proven to be effective and well adapted to the conditions of the region.
