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The 2024-25 olive campaign in Spain is challenging due to the constant pressure of prices and adverse weather conditions, such as structural drought in Andalusia. With Spain leading global olive oil production, maximizing oil yield and improving the quality of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is more crucial than ever. Additionally, the demand for organic oil continues to grow, offering unique opportunities for olive growers. This article focuses on a comprehensive biostimulation program designed to optimize production and quality in the European olive sector.<\/p>\n
The olive tree is a species with a biennial production cycle, meaning it can alternate between high and low production years. This alternation can be mitigated with appropriate biostimulation techniques. During the flowering stage, the olive tree is particularly sensitive to late frosts and heat waves, factors that can negatively affect yield. Boron plays a vital role during flowering, being essential for pollen germination, while fruit maturation and oil accumulation occur between August and October, critical phases for the final quality of EVOO.<\/p>\n
| Phase<\/th>\n | Months<\/th>\n | Objective<\/th>\n | Product<\/th>\n | Dose L\/ha<\/th>\n | Application<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bud Swelling<\/td>\n | February-March<\/td>\n | Activation, reserves<\/td>\n | TERRA HUMID + NITROTECH 16<\/td>\n | 3+4<\/td>\n | Fertigation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Floral Development<\/td>\n | March-April<\/td>\n | Vigor, floral induction<\/td>\n | BOOST UNIVERSAL + BALANCE 7-7-7<\/td>\n | 3+5<\/td>\n | Foliar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Full Bloom<\/td>\n | April-May<\/td>\n | Fruit set, boron, calcium<\/td>\n | PHACE + CALCIUM 40% + MICRO PLUS<\/td>\n | 3+3+2<\/td>\n | Foliar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Fruit Set \/ Physiological Drop<\/td>\n | May-June<\/td>\n | Fruit fixation<\/td>\n | CALCIUM 40% + K-FLOW 20<\/td>\n | 4+3<\/td>\n | Biweekly Foliar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Stone Hardening<\/td>\n | June-July<\/td>\n | Fruit growth<\/td>\n | PHOSMAX 20 + FULVEX 25L<\/td>\n | 3+3<\/td>\n | Foliar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Oil Accumulation<\/td>\n | August-October<\/td>\n | Fat yield, polyphenols<\/td>\n | UNIVERSAL POWER + K-FLOW 20<\/td>\n | 2+4<\/td>\n | Monthly Foliar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Post-Harvest<\/td>\n | November-January<\/td>\n | Recovery, alternation<\/td>\n | NITROTECH 16 + BALANCE 7-7-7<\/td>\n | 5+5<\/td>\n | Fertigation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nResults in Sierra M\u00e1gina, Ja\u00e9n and Campi\u00f1a de C\u00f3rdoba<\/h2>\nThe implementation of the biostimulation program in areas such as Sierra M\u00e1gina, Ja\u00e9n, and the Campi\u00f1a de C\u00f3rdoba has shown remarkable results, including an 11% increase in fat yield, translating to an increase in fat points at the mill. A 30% reduction in physiological fruit drop during June has also been observed, favoring a more uniform harvest with fewer ripening phases within the same plot. Furthermore, the program has contributed to improving the polyphenol content in the oil, offering a significant differential for premium EVOOs.<\/p>\n Organic Olive Farming \u2014 The Biggest Opportunity in the Sector<\/h2>\nThe price of organic EVOO can be 2 to 3 times higher than that of conventional oil at origin. Certifications such as CAAE, CCPAE, and Ecocert guarantee environmentally friendly production. The Ecoganic program is fully compliant with organic regulations, without exceptions, making it an ideal option for organic olive farming. Countries like Germany, Japan, and the United States are major importers of organic EVOO, offering a promising market for European producers.<\/p>\n Dryland Olive vs. Irrigated \u2014 Program Adjustment<\/h2>\nIn dryland conditions, applications should focus on the budding and flowering phases, coinciding with rain windows to maximize efficiency. On the other hand, in irrigated olive groves, it is possible to follow the complete program, including fertigation in all phases. Super-intensive or hedged olive groves require higher doses in foliar applications and shorter intervals between them to ensure the program’s success.<\/p>\n FAQ<\/h2>\nWhen should the first biostimulant be applied to olives?<\/strong> Do biostimulants help in years of extreme drought?<\/strong> Can TERRA HUMID be used in certified organic olive groves?<\/strong> Do biostimulants improve the polyphenol content of the oil?<\/strong> Does the program work for Picual, Arbequina, and Hojiblanca varieties?<\/strong> \ud83d\udc49 Complete program for olive<\/a><\/p>\n |