Olive cultivation requires meticulous care and attention to ensure a successful harvest. The health and productivity of olive trees can be greatly affected by certain practices that should be avoided at all costs. In this article, we will discuss the five things you should avoid when cultivating olive crops.

1. Avoid Pruning During Harvest

One common mistake olive farmers make is pruning their trees during the harvest season. Pruning involves cutting off branches or shoots from the tree, and doing it simultaneously with harvesting can have adverse effects on the productivity of the trees. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter months. This allows the trees to focus their energy on fruit production during the growing season.

Pruning during the harvest season poses several risks. Firstly, it can lead to a delay in fruit ripening as pruning can shock the trees and hinder the maturation process. Secondly, it increases the risk of disease and pest infestations as open wounds from pruning can provide entry points for pathogens. Therefore, it is essential to schedule pruning activities appropriately and separate them from the harvesting process.

2. Avoid Nitrogen Overdose in Dry Farming

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. However, excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in dry farming practices can have detrimental effects on olive trees. Dry farming refers to cultivating crops without irrigation, relying solely on rainwater.

Overdosing olive trees with nitrogen in dry farming conditions can degrade the overall production and quality of olives. Excess nitrogen can cause rapid vegetative growth at the expense of fruit development. This imbalance can lead to decreased oil content in the olives, reducing their value and profitability. It is crucial to carefully monitor and regulate the nitrogen dosage, ensuring it is appropriate for the specific needs of the olive trees and the growing conditions.

3. Avoid Harvesting Unripe Olives

Timing is crucial when it comes to olive harvesting. Harvesting olives when they are still unripe is a common mistake that should be avoided. Unripe olives lack the necessary oil content that contributes to the flavor and quality of the final olive oil product.

When olives are unripe, they have not sufficiently accumulated the required oil content in their fruit. This significantly affects the overall yield and quality of the extracted oil. Therefore, it is essential to wait until the olives have reached their optimal ripeness before harvesting. Monitoring the color change of the olives from green to purple or black is a reliable indicator of ripeness.

4. Avoid Pruning in Wet Weather

Pruning olive trees in wet weather conditions can have detrimental consequences for their health and overall productivity. Wet weather provides favorable conditions for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which can infect and damage the trees.

Pruning cuts made in wet conditions take longer to heal, creating an opportunity for pathogens to enter the wounds and cause infection. As a result, the trees are more susceptible to diseases that can weaken them, reduce their productivity, and even lead to long-term damage or death. To prevent such risks, it is best to schedule pruning activities during dry weather periods to ensure the rapid healing of pruning wounds.

5. Avoid Applying Fertilizer near the Tree Neck

Proper fertilization plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and productivity of olive trees. However, it is important to apply fertilizers correctly to avoid causing harm to the trees. One common mistake to avoid is applying fertilizer near the neck of the tree.

Fertilizers should be spread around the tree, encircling it at the drip line (the outer edge of the canopy) and at crown height. Applying the fertilizer too close to the tree’s neck can lead to fertilizer burn, as high concentrations of nutrients can damage the delicate tissues. This can hinder the tree’s growth and overall health, affecting its ability to bear fruits. Therefore, it is vital to follow proper fertilization practices and apply the fertilizer at an appropriate distance from the tree trunk.

In conclusion, cultivating olive crops requires a deep understanding of the best practices for ensuring optimal tree health and productivity. Avoiding pruning during the harvest, not overdoing the nitrogen dosage in dry farming, harvesting olives when they are ripe, pruning in wet weather, and applying fertilizer near the tree neck are all crucial steps to achieve successful olive cultivation. By avoiding these five mistakes, olive farmers can improve their chances of obtaining high-quality and abundant olive harvests, leading to the production of exceptional olive oil.