Olive Fertilization

Appropriate nitrogen fertilization limits the effects of parenosis on olive production

The olive is one of the most important crops in our country. It is found in a wide range of geographical areas in our country and due to our Mediterranean climate it produces excellent quality edible fruit and olive oil.

An important factor for the production of fruit and olive oil is the correct fertilization of the trees. Having the characteristic of self-fertilization, the correct nitrogen fertilization (together with the correct shaping of the trees and irrigation) has favorable consequences in its limitation. The indicative values ​​of requirements per tree for the main nutrients in the olive are 1-1.5kg Nitrogen (N), 0.2-0.4kg Phosphorus (P) and 0.5-1.5kg Potassium (K). The table below shows the periods of increased needs for each nutrient.

Based on the table, our proposal is the use of basic fertilizers of the types 12- 12-17+2MgO+27SO3+0.3B+TE (SOP), 20-6-12+2MgO+0.3B+0.1Zn & 22- 8- 10+2MgO+15SO3+0.5B+TE in a dosage of 3-5kg/tree, depending on their age and nutritional status. The main fertilization is carried out mainly from the end of November to the middle of February. In dry olive groves, the total amount of fertilizer is added in one dose, while in irrigated ones, mainly in edible olive groves, it is recommended that 30% of the total Nitrogen and Potassium be applied in parts at later stages.

In irrigated olive groves, if deemed necessary, it is recommended to apply surface nitrogen fertilization immediately after fruit set and use ammonia sulfate at a dose of approximately 1-3kg/tree. In addition, in edible olive groves, the addition of potassium fertilization is indicated (July – August) to increase the size, weight, total soluble solids and uniformity of fruit growth at a dose of 0.5 – 1.5 kg/tree. Suitable fertilizers for this period are the application of potassium sulfate 0-0-50 or 0-0-30 + 10Mg. It is worth noting that in problematic soils due to salinity, it is preferable to have potassium in the form of potassium sulfate. Phosphorous fertilizers should not exceed 1/3-1/5 of the administered amount of nitrogen. Excessive fertilization with phosphorus (P) should be avoided because it reduces the ability to absorb K, Fe, Ca and B from the olive.

In addition, Boron (B) in the olive is the most important trace element. Its deficiency causes anthorrhoea, fruit drop, light yellow-green color in the leaves and deformations in the fruits. So we have a reduction in production. To deal with Boron deficiency in the olive, a separate fertilization in the form of borax (250g per tree) is recommended every 2-3 years, while for faster Boron absorption, foliar spraying with BoroAgro (17.5% Sodium Borate) can be done. , the only product on the market with this Boron content that is distributed exclusively by Agrohellas SA, during the flowering and fruiting period. In addition, to strengthen the trees in conditions of abiotic stress, improve the organoleptic characteristics and quality of the olive oil, enhance flowering, fertilization and fruiting as well as cover the needs in trace elements, Agrohellas through Eurosolids has specialized nutrition products such as: Euro Vive Pure AA, Euro Hydra k liquid, Oligo Amparo Mix, Euro IPE 20-13-20 +TE. In closing, it is important to know that for adapting fertilization exactly to the needs of each olive tree, soil analysis and leaf diagnostics are valuable advisors.