Critical stages for water
Olive tolerates drought, but yield is decided at specific stages. At those points water stress must be avoided.
- Flower bud differentiation and bloom: sets the number of fruits.
- Fruit set and early fruit growth: the critical drop period.
- Pit hardening: controlled stress is acceptable here.
- Fruit swelling before harvest: determines weight and oil accumulation.
Designing the system
- Pressure-compensating drippers on sloping plots for uniform delivery.
- Filtration unit and regular flushing — clogged lines create uneven growth.
- Tensiometers or moisture sensors at two depths so irrigation decisions use data.
- Separate zones per soil type and planting age.
Nutrition based on analysis
Leaf analysis is the most reliable tool: sample leaves from the middle of current-season shoots, usually during winter dormancy, and compare with sufficiency ranges. The fertilisation programme is then adjusted to the results and to the season's crop load.
- Nitrogen: staged from bud break to fruit set — excess gives vegetation without fruit.
- Potassium: demand rises during fruit swelling and in heavy-crop years.
- Boron: often deficient on calcareous soils; correct carefully, the safety margin is narrow.
- Organic matter: improves water-holding capacity and structure, especially on poor Mediterranean soils.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I irrigate with saline water?
- Olive is relatively tolerant, but you need an EC analysis and a leaching plan. Ask us before choosing a variety for such conditions.