Vegetative recovery and the cooperative’s work in the olive groves

Vegetative recovery and the resumption of activities in the olive grove are crucial times for managing the olive grove and preparing for the new production season.

The resumption of vegetative growth in the olive grove marks the beginning of a new season, with the resumption of leaf growth and flower formation.
The main activities include pruning, which must be completed before the resumption of vegetation to ensure good aeration and lighting for each plant.

In addition, it is also important to proceed with fertilization; it provides necessary nutrients to support growth.
It is essential to monitor for pathogens and insects, taking timely action to protect plants.
These actions prepare the olive grove for healthy and abundant production.

Vegetative recovery

Vegetative recovery begins with the awakening of plants after the winter rest period. This process depends mainly on climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity, but also on the variety of olive.

At this stage:

• Sprouting: Dormant buds begin to develop, giving rise to new shoots.
• Leaf development: Leaves begin to develop, enhancing photosynthesis and preparing the plant for a new growth phase.
• Flowering and fruit set: This occurs in spring, with the appearance of flowers and subsequent fruit formation.

The main activities to be carried out

Throughout the year we work constantly in our olive groves entrusted by cooperative members. We have become an organic farm, supported by agronomists and technicians to manage the olive groves in our area. These below are the most important working moments of the upcoming season, which we are already working on.

Containment and aging pruning

If not done in winter, it is time to prune the olive tree to remove dry, damaged or too old branches, improving air circulation and light exposure. After any damage from frost or other causes, it is useful to monitor the progress of the plants and prune any damaged or dry branches. The Cooperative usually prunes the olive groves in its care during the cold months. Pruning that in some cases is more important as a reform pruning, and in other cases is a light maintenance pruning, especially for olive groves already recovered from years of fallow.

Fertilization

It is important to provide nutrients to stimulate vegetative growth and flowering. Organic or mineral fertilizers are used, with attention to the specific needs of the soil and plants. Fertilization can take place before vegetative recovery to promote root awakening. We at Cooperative Oleificio use only organic fertilizers and allowed in organic farming in full compliance with regulations. We use both with organic foliar fertilizer, to stimulate and nourish plants, and classic organic organic fertilizer to increase the biological and physical fertility of the soil. For the sensitive time of flowering, a product is used that improves soil humus, restores and maintains organic matter levels.

Phytosanitary treatments

Make initial treatments against pests such as olive fly or fungal diseases such as mange. Wet weather conditions favor the proliferation of diseases, so preventive protection is essential.
In late spring in the organic olive groves we have in the cooperative, an initial treatment is made with foliar fertilizer based on copper, boron and other products allowed in organic farming.

Collection and management of residues

If there are residues from previous harvesting or processing, it is time to remove them to prevent the proliferation of diseases and pests.
After pruning here in the Cooperative, mowing is carried out in the olive groves at the end of May, including the pruning residues, which are chopped up with a powerful shredder. This machine-which also includes a shredding arm-cuts and shreds vegetation it encounters on the ground: tall and hard grass, weeds, brambles, small and medium diameter shrubs, and pruning waste.
In fact, shredding also allows organic nutrients to be brought to the olive grove soils.