Aquaflex in Olive Groves

Aquaflex in Olive Groves
The production of Olives is increasing in line with consumer awareness of the health benefits of a diet that includes olives and olive oil.
The world production of olives comprises approximately 9 million ha of Olive trees, the vast majority (nearly 8.5 million ha) are situated in the Mediterranean regions. Spain is the largest producer, accounting for 24% of world production followed by Tunisia (16%) Italy (14%) and Portugal (13%)
Brent Clothier of HortResearch, Palmerson North, New Zealand, has made interesting presentations arising from work carried out in association with Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientiticas, Spain, on modern Olive management practices and with specific reference to irrigation and measurement techniques.
From work carried out both in Spain and New Zealand it is clear that irrigation affects production levels, but significantly, it affects quality factors such as oil content and taste levels (bitterness, fruitiness, hotness).
There is a clear relationship between the availability of water and the above factors. However, the application of water does not necessarily result in automatic increases in production with corresponding increases in quality.
There is a critical balance between irrigation for production and management for quality. This, along with the fact that most Olive growing regions are areas where water is in short supply, necessitates a careful measurement regime in order to maximise production, optimise quality and economise on water usage.
AQUAFLEX is the ideal moisture measurement sensor for Olive production. It can be buried in the rootzone and permanently left there to monitor soil moisture content around 24 hours a day, thus giving unrivalled historical and current moisture trend data to enable precision in management decisions.
With no access tube to manage and no need to be present whist readings are taken, AQUAFLEX provides simplicity and ease of use coupled with proven reliability and accuracy.
Modern olive management practice involves fertigation via localised irrigation, 4-5 drippers per tree @ 3-5l per hour.

There are many new plantings that are irrigated and use modern management techniques with where high production and high quality is to be expected.