SOIL MOISTURE DEFICIT REMAINS A CONCERN
By the end of october, we find that our olive groves are in various stages of development, from the beginning of veraison to black olive, due to the different ripening rates of the different varieties and highly influenced by high temperatures and water scarcity.
This year the lack of rain is more acute than on other occasions, finding that the deficit in the soil is very evident, looking more cracked than usual. This absence is also noticeable in the olive tree, yellowish leaves appear and begin to fold over the stem, as well as parched olives. The higher incidence of this situation depends on many factors, being one of the most remarkable the variety. We see how Manzanillos or Marteños begin to suffer the consequences before the suckling pigs, for example. The nutritional status of the olive tree also influences: the one with adequate levels will hold up better.
Right now, in which we are already considering the beginning of the harvest, keep in mind that some treatments may still be necessary. If they are carried out, you must pay attention to the safety period of each product, and once passed the olives can be picked. These treatments can be herbicide applications to the soil, usually pre-emergent so that the grass does not grow. One of the most used options is oxyfluorfen (Hereu, Laser) which presents a safety period of 21 days.
From elsewhere, if preventive treatments are given against copper diseases, this has a term of 15 days. These applications should be carried out in humid conditions after some rain or heavy spray, or also without rain in shady areas. In the case of being necessary treatments against the olive fly, a product with the shortest possible safety term should be sought., being the application of deltamethrin, along with a protein that acts as an attractant by patching, the most advisable option, since it has a security period of 7 days.
This season is also good to make a fertilizer with compost, available at the Cooperative. In addition to providing nutrients to the crop, other benefits are obtained, as it improves the properties of the soil in relation to its capacity to absorb water and to retain soil particles.
