The subscriber of the olive trees

olive tree fertilizer

Olive trees are the most abundant trees in Andalusia if we talk about rainfed agriculture. They provide the olive oil so healthy and famous in many places. Some call it the "golden liquid" because of its color and good taste.

Olive trees require nutritional needs of elements that it consumes throughout its vegetative cycle. Today we are going to talk about which compost is the most suitable for olive trees and how to use them. Do you want to know more about it?

Nutritional needs of the olive tree

olive tree nutrients for growth

An olive tree that is well fed will produce better crops, will develop new organs faster and with greater resistance (we are talking about stronger roots, stems, shoots and leaves) and will harden the branches and trunks.

The soil, normally, cannot supply a perennial plant with the necessary nutrients for its growth and production in the right time. Therefore, we must pay for provide the necessary nutrients for maximum performance.

Depending on the weather conditions of the place, the state of the soil, the type of soil, etc. The farmer must generate a subscriber plan that adapts to the situation.

The amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that the olive tree extracts annually, for every 1.000 kg of olive collected, have been studied by several researchers, and can range between the following values: 20kg / 1000 kg of Nitrogen olives, 5kg / 1000 kg of phosphorous olives and 20-25 kg / 1000 kg of potassium olives.

It is important to know the needs of the olive tree and to know its rate of absorption of nutrients in the different vegetative plants. Given that the olive grove sits for the most part on soils generally poor in organic matter, the possible supply of nitrogen due to its mineralization will be scarce. The incorporation into the soil of the old leaves and other plant residues of the tree provides organic matter in the medium and long term.

Role of nutrients in olive trees

small olive tree

The most important nutrient for olive tree fertilization is undoubtedly nitrogen. This accelerates the vegetative activity and the development of the plant, increasing its capacity to assimilate other elements and to produce more olives.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is not very stable in the soil, so it must be taken into account in fertilization programs. If it is fertilized excessively, it will not increase the quality of the oil or the production, but on the contrary, it increases the sensitivity to frost and diseases and delays the ripening of the fruits. In the traditional olive grove it is recommended to apply between 0,5 and 1 kg Nitrogen / tree, without exceeding, in any case, 150 kg Nitrogen / ha.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is involved in many biochemical processes in the plant. Thanks to phosphorus, the olive tree can accelerate maturation and improve flowering. In Spanish areas where olive trees are grown, it is not common to find soils poor in phosphorus, so it will not be a problem. In case of deficiency you can apply 0,5 kg phosphorus / tree.

Potassium

This element acts in the transport of sugars in the plant, in perspiration and other biochemical processes. Thanks to potassium, the olive tree has greater resistance to frost and diseases. In addition, it improves the size and quality of the olives. The olive grove responds well to potassium applications that are between 1 and 2 kg potassium / tree.

Boron

Boron is usually deficient in more limestone soils and dry soils. Olive trees that do not have enough boron have problems with flowering and fruit set. Many of the olives will come out misshapen.

Iron

Iron is also another microelement that, like boron, is important for the olive tree. Trees affected by iron chlorosis show characteristic symptoms of chlorosis on the leaves.

Secondary elements

the subscriber of the olive trees is important

Finally, we find secondary elements such as calcium that is not usually paid much attention, but which also has its importance, since the olive tree needs adequate calcium concentrations and that they are in soluble form.

Therefore, we must bear in mind that, for our olive trees to be healthy and have better performance, we have to give them these nutrients in their proper measure.


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  1.   Juan Luis Falcon Moya said

    Hello, I have planted an olive grove, it is 8 months old, this irrigation is growing rapidly, I have fertilized it with several products and there are some olive trees that have become light green, some yellowish, and bad leaf formation that can happen

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Juan Luis.
      It could be that they are having excess compost.
      I would recommend pouring plenty of water so that the roots are "cleaned", and not fertilizing in a season.
      A greeting.