Olive Tree:The olive tree belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is a traditional crop around the Mediterranean. It is the main fruit species cultivated in Morocco.
What are the optimal climatic conditions for the development of olive trees?
• Temperature:
The climate suitable for olive trees is characterized by minimum temperatures not lower than - 6 or - 7°C, below which the leaves are seriously affected. A temperature of - 3 or - 4 °C can damage fruits with a high water content that have not yet been harvested, with negative consequences on the quality of the oil.
• Rainfall:
Precipitation must be above 400 mm, conditions are sufficient up to 600 mm, acceptable up to 800 mm and good up to 1000 mm.
Hot winds during flowering, fog and high humidity, hail and spring frosts are all unfavorable factors for flowering and fruiting.
What type of soil is suitable for olive trees?
The soil must be adapted in terms of texture, structure and composition to a depth of at least one meter because the root system of the olive tree extends preferentially in the first 50 to 70 cm of soil, the roots can go up to 1m deep to seek additional water.
The olive tree is a plant particularly resistant to water stress, however, this response to stress is at the expense of production and vegetative growth not only for the current year's production but also for the following years. Irrigation of olive trees is therefore necessary to maintain the most optimal conditions for production.
Localized irrigation provides excellent water distribution for the roots while avoiding excess moisture. If the soil is light and sandy, we can use two side rails per row with a relatively short distance between drippers. On the other hand, for heavy soil, one side rail will probably be sufficient, and the spacing between the rails can be greater.
The in-ground drip system provides several advantages although its initial cost seems higher: It allows increased yields with considerable savings in water, labor and fertilizer. It also limits weed growth and ensures a stronger and healthier root system.
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