OLIVE CULTIVATION AND AGRO-ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE OLIVE TREE

The cultivation of the olive fits perfectly with a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild , rainy winters and hot , dry summer. Area olive cultivation is limited by its water requirements and low temperatures Its high survival potential is due to the adaptation of the root system to the environment and high morphogenetic potential regeneration.

The olive tree can grow and yield well over varied terrain . Of olive orchards can be productive in skeletal soils , the olive tree can develop marginal land .

Calcareous soils to pH 8.5 may suit him , acid soils are unsuitable .

In terms of water intake to less than 350 mm of rain cultivation without irrigation may not be economically viable. With 600 mm of rain well distributed , olive product normally. Between 450 and 600 mm , the production is possible if the water retention capacity of the soil is sufficient ( deep clay loam soil). In intensive irrigation is mandatory and permanent. 

The olive tree is resistant to -8 to -10 ° C in winter dormancy. But at low temperatures from 0 to -1 ° C , the damage can be significant on flowering . Also at temperatures of 35-38 ° C , vegetative growth stops at 40 ° C and higher , burns damage the camera and can shoot: fall fruits, especially if irrigation is insufficient.

Vegetative and productive cycle of the olive tree :

During its annual development cycle, 

olive goes through the following phases:

• January, February : induction , initiation and floral differentiation.

• during March : growth and development of inflorescences in the axils of leaves that are the branches of the previous year.

• April: full bloom

• Late April -early May: fertilization and fruit set .

• June: early development and fruit growth .

• September: veraison ( color change from olive green to red , brown, black ... )

• October: fruit ripening and enrichment with oil.

• Mid -November to January: fruit harvest .

The most intense period of the annual cycle runs from March to June During this phase, the need for water and nutrients from the tree are the most intense . The life of the olive spread over several decades to centuries . Yields vary depending on the age of the trees, planting densities and tending .