Evaluation of a biological foliar fertilization system, in the production and quality of olives
Gertsis, A1. and K. Zoukidis1
1Perrotis College/ American Farm School, Thessaloniki, GREECE
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Abstract
Long term studies are needed to evaluate fertility management practices and products in perennial species. Olive represents one of the most important tree species in Greece and the impact to the economy and the culture is of paramount value. Long term studies in olive groves were established in the Perrotis College and at a collaborative farmer’s Olive grove, in Halkidiki, Greece (Yannis live grove). Both olive oil (var. Arbequina and Koroneiki) and table olives for mixed production (var. Halkidiki), are produced in the specified groves. The management practices compared and evaluated conventional treatments, with trees treated with a special foliar fertilizer system (by SANOVITA Gmbh). The objective of this study, is to evaluate the possible effects of an innovative foliar fertilizer system, composed of three parts: a mineral fertilizer in a micronized formulation, a biostimulant and an amino acid compound. Half of the grove is sprayed with the system at three growth stages (one application before flowering and two applications aftermath), while the growers apply conventional management to the entire grove. Results from the last three years, have shown that the additional application of the foliar system has resulted to statistical significant yield increases and an improvement of the overall quality of the table olives and olive oil, and it has also reduced insect and disease problems. The study will be continued for comparisons in more years.
Key words: foliar fertilizer, SANOVITA, table olives, Halkidiki, Arbequina, Koroneiki