WATER REQUIREMENTS
FOR OLIVE TREES
Whilst olive trees are extremely drought
resistant, properly scheduled irrigation will assist in:
- Minimising sterile flower formation
A recent study has found that olive
trees grown under dry soil conditions set 52.6% sterile flowers,
whereas trees grown under irrigated conditions set only 7.7%
sterile flowers.
- Increasing fruit yield
A trial found that fully irrigated
trees increased yield by up to 110% over trees which only received
supplementary irrigation.
- Minimising alternate bearing
Alternate bearing is said to be
reduced in irrigated groves when compared with groves which only
rely on natural rainfall.
- Adding value through healthier
weight and apearance of fruit
Particularly important for table
fruit, a healthy appearance and weight will add value to the
crop, and can increase returns to the grower.
- Minimising tree stress
Tree stress can result in excessive
leaf shedding, which affects the tree's ability to take up adequate
amounts of moisture through reduced transpiration as well as
reducing the tree's ability to photosynthesise.
As a minimum it is recommended that
groves receive two waterings to field capacity during the winter,
although more regular applications of water during the winter
will assist in maintaining optimum conditions.
Young trees will benefit from a weekly
watering in summer, with reduced watering in winter, and a tree
of approx. 300mm in height will require about 3 to 4 liters per
watering, with a gradual increase so that 10 liters per watering
is given after a couple of months.
Naturally more mature trees require
greater quantities per watering, and the use of tensiometers
is recommended to ensure that soil moisture content is maintained
at the level suggested by your agronomist as being ideal for
your grove - excessive dryness should be avoided to prevent stress
whilst excessive soil moisture can be equally detrimental to
olive trees.
Rainfall has a large bearing on water
requirement during any year, and the use of tensiometers
will assist in gauging any requirement for irrigation to augment
rainfall. |
